After an intense matchup in São Paulo, Brazil, questions spilled beyond the final 21-27 tally. It was about how one hit on Travis Kelce that went unpunished the way many expected. A slap from Chargers’ defensive tackle Teair Tart on Kelce’s head that didn’t lead to an ejection. This sparked a full-blown conversation about NFL officiating and rules, with Chiefs coach Andy Reid firmly in the spotlight, raising eyebrows and possibly the ire of the league.

This all stands against the backdrop of NFL rules, where an open-hand strike calls for a penalty but not an automatic disqualification. A sharp contrast with a closed-fist punch, which would have tossed Tart from the game. Despite Tart escaping league punishment, social media was ablaze, with Taylor Swift fans roasting him, which he answered with cheekiness by posting a “Chappelle Show” slap sketch on Instagram. It featured an imaginary Rick James slapping Charlie Murphy after asking, “What did the five fingers say to the face?”

Big Red openly questioned the NFL’s rulebook publicly. His frustration was front and center before Kansas City’s next game, turning what might have been a sideline gripe into a league-wide debate. He challenged the notion behind the league’s decision not to eject Tart after the open-hand strike during the third quarter. In Andy Reid’s words, “I guess it’s open-hand fist, whatever, I don’t know. I mean, I don’t know what their decision was on that. But he definitely got hit in the head pretty hard, whether it was an open fist or a closed fist.” When asked if he had any update from the league on the decision, Reid said, “Yeah, I will work that out with the league.” But these remarks could land Big Red in big trouble.

The league’s tough stance on comments from team figures is well-known. Aaron Rodgers could also face disciplinary action and a fine between $32,547-$65,100 for calling out officiating after a contested pass interference call. Reid is now teetering on the edge of a similar fate. The NFL doesn’t take kindly to public questioning of its officials’ decisions, especially when pointed out so starkly.

Big Red’s comment about “working it out with the league” sounds innocent, but it puts him squarely in the same frame as Rodgers, who may face fines under the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy for his remarks. Andy Reid’s public questioning of rules could invite league discipline, adding to the Chiefs’ post-loss headaches. While Reid is defending Kelce after he got hit, it’s important to remember that his own star quarterback made a hit that has also stirred controversy.

Mahomes’ tactics under scrutiny

Patrick Mahomes stirred debate again with a move that fans have seen before. Back in 2024, he made headlines for a similar play when he delivered a shoulder check to 49ers linebacker Dee Winters near the sideline while avoiding going out of bounds.

Fast forward to this season’s opener, Mahomes repeated the tactic against Chargers cornerback Donte Jackson. After gaining a first down with a run, he appeared headed out of bounds but instead knocked Jackson down with a shoulder check, sparking fresh debate over whether the play was smart or overly aggressive.

Mahomes defended his hit to Winters, saying, “I didn’t believe on that play right there I was really showing like I was going to go out of bounds. I don’t want to ever put a defender in a bad spot…When I go out of bounds, I’m going to go out of bounds, and whenever I’m trying to get a first down, I’ll get a first down. I’m not trying to use a loophole or anything in the rules to try to cheat in any way.” His explanation highlights his intent to stay within the spirit of the game, even as critics question the tactics.

Mahomes’ hits are raising eyebrows again, and Andy Reid’s open criticism of the league could earn him a fine. Standing up for Kelce may cost Reid, making the Chiefs’ start even messier. Wins aren’t coming, but controversies are pouring in this season for the Chiefs.