Chiefs GM Brett Veach Slams NFL After Punishment Announced for Teair Tart’s Hit on Travis Kelce
Kansas City, MO – September 7, 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs are furious after the NFL announced its punishment for Los Angeles Chargers defensive lineman Teair Tart, who struck tight end Travis Kelce across the facemask in Friday’s season opener.
Tart was flagged for a 15-yard penalty on the play but avoided ejection, a decision that sparked immediate controversy. His presence proved decisive as the Chargers went on to upset Kansas City 27-21 in Brazil.
On Saturday, the NFL confirmed that Tart would be fined $16,333 for the incident. For Chiefs fans and officials, the financial penalty did little to ease frustration, with many believing the act warranted an ejection.
They caught the Tart slap on Travis Kelce on hot mic #Chargers #BoltUp pic.twitter.com/oW4rpBzvmM
— Jason Dill (@TRICHERATOPS_) September 6, 2025
Chiefs general manager Brett Veach blasted the league in rare public comments. “The punishment handed down to Teair Tart is far too light, and everyone saw it. Under Carl Cheffers’ crew, not only did he escape an ejection, but the entire moment reeked of unfairness,” Veach said.
He added: “If we stay silent, the NFL will keep making it harder for the Chiefs to compete the right way. And I won’t allow that.” His remarks reflect growing tension between Kansas City and the league’s officiating standards.
NFL rules analyst Terry McAulay explained during the broadcast that Tart avoided ejection because he struck with an open hand rather than a closed fist. Critics quickly pointed out that no such distinction appears in the official rulebook.
The inconsistency has fueled outrage, especially after Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter was ejected one night earlier for spitting on Dak Prescott. Chiefs Kingdom sees the contrasting outcomes as proof of a troubling double standard.
For Veach, this is about more than one fine. His words mark a turning point, signaling the Chiefs will no longer stay quiet when they feel officiating compromises fairness — especially when their star players are at the center of controversy.
BREAKING: Bengals Floated Trade Proposal — Trey Hendrickson for Steelers Star
Pittsburgh, PA – August 18, 2025
The Bengals’ contract standoff with Trey Hendrickson has opened the door to a bold idea — and now Pittsburgh is in the crosshairs. League sources confirm Cincinnati has inquired about Alex Highsmith as a possible return piece if trade talks move forward.
Highsmith, 26, has quietly carved out a reputation as one of the NFL’s most underrated edge defenders. At 6-foot-4, 242 pounds, he’s leaner than Hendrickson but brings a mix of burst and technical polish that Pittsburgh has leaned on opposite T.J. Watt. His arsenal — from a sharp spin move to a punishing bull rush — makes him a constant problem off the edge.
The numbers paint the contrast. Hendrickson racked up 17.5 sacks in 2024, cementing his place as one of the league’s premier pass rushers. Highsmith, by comparison, finished with 7 sacks, 39 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 14 quarterback hits. While the raw production lags, his ability to drop into coverage (33 snaps last season) gives him a flexibility Hendrickson doesn’t often provide.
With contract talks at an impasse, the #Bengals are listening to trade offers for four-time Pro Bowl DE Trey Hendrickson, sources tell me and @RapSheet.
No deal is imminent. But the NFL’s reigning sack leader is available for the right price. pic.twitter.com/EFVYNGq8eH— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) August 17, 2025
Injury clouds the conversation. Highsmith has been sidelined with a groin issue throughout training camp, missing both of Pittsburgh’s preseason games. He’s listed as questionable for Thursday’s matchup against the Panthers — a factor that could complicate his immediate trade value.
Still, the stylistic similarities remain. “Alex isn’t Hendrickson in terms of sack totals, but the traits line up,” one NFC scout told ESPN. “He wins with speed, hand use, and technique. He’s the kind of rusher who could slide into Cincinnati’s scheme without much drop-off.”
Where Hendrickson dominates with a violent first step and pure edge pressure, Highsmith offers a blend of speed-to-power and the ability to handle space. He might not be the All-Pro finisher Hendrickson has become, but his profile as a complete outside linebacker makes him a valuable chess piece.
The Steelers, however, would be reluctant sellers. Highsmith is entering his prime and remains under contract, making him a foundational complement to Watt. Moving him for Hendrickson — who is seeking a new deal — would raise long-term cap and roster-building questions in Pittsburgh’s front office.
That’s why this rumor feels more like a leverage play than a likely trade. By floating Highsmith’s name, Cincinnati signals they’re not looking for placeholders; they want established, ascending talent to balance Hendrickson’s departure.
Whether Pittsburgh would even entertain the conversation remains doubtful. Trading away a 26-year-old pass rusher with untapped upside for Hendrickson’s expiring deal could prove too steep. But the fact that Highsmith’s name has surfaced at all underscores just how seismic this situation could become for both AFC North rivals.
