While the contact appeared aggressive, Tart was not ejected from the game. This decision sparked outrage among Chiefs fans on social media.

Why Teair Tart Wasn’t Ejected

Under NFL rules, Tart’s action was classified as a shove or swat, not a closed-fist punch or an attempt to injure. While the move was penalized, it did not meet the threshold for a flagrant foul that would warrant an ejection.

According to Rule 12, Section 2, Article 8 of the NFL rulebook, ejection-worthy actions include:

“Striking, kicking, or kneeing an opponent” or any act deemed “unnecessarily rough,” such as a deliberate blow to the head or facemask.

Tart’s contact, though aggressive, was interpreted as a single, open-handed strike, which typically results in a 15-yard penalty and an automatic first down, but not an automatic ejection unless the action is considered excessively violent or intentional.