Jason Kelce was at the center of a bizarre moment that occurred before the Penn State vs. Ohio State game. While Kelce was making his way to the game, a Penn State fan used homophobic slurs directed toward Travis Kelce for dating Taylor Swift.
In an incident caught on multiple cameras, Kelce slammed the fan’s phone to the ground. The video went viral on social media, and everyone defended the Philadelphia Eagles legend.
Jason Kelce Apologized on ESPN for Slamming the Fan’s Phone
While covering the Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Kansas City Chiefs “Monday Night Football” game for ESPN, Kelce apologized for his actions.
“I think everybody’s seen on social media everything that took place this week,” Kelce said. “Listen, I’m not happy with anything that took place. I’m not proud of it. And, you know, in a heated moment, I chose to greet hate with hate, and I just don’t think that that’s a productive thing.
“I try to live my life by the golden rule; that’s what I’ve always been taught. I try to treat people with common decency and respect, and I’m going to keep doing that moving forward. Even though I fell short this week, I’m going to do that moving forward and continue to do that.”
Can’t blame Jason Kelce here… what a loser pic.twitter.com/KTnCA4WjZI
— Tobey Prime (@tobey_prime) November 2, 2024
This was Kelce’s first public appearance since the incident. We are likely to hear more about it on this week’s segment of the “New Heights” podcast, where his younger brother will join him.
The Penn State fan crossed the line, which was why there were not many people on social media who thought that Kelce’s actions were not justified. The fans also came in support of the seven-time Pro Bowler after his recent statement on live television.
NFL Fans Came in Support of Kelce
Here’s how the fans on social media reacted after listening to Kelce’s apology:
You did nothing wrong @JasonKelce https://t.co/bsfFN29QPY
— Pranav Sriraman (@PranavSriraman) November 4, 2024
“Agreed, fell short. Should’ve punched him into 2025,” said one fan about what Kelce should have done instead of slamming just the phone.
“He’s got nothing to apologize for here,” added another fan.
If espn made him apologize that’s sad … no one is blaming him for what he did and everyone understands why he did it
— Nicholas Joseph (@sniickks) November 4, 2024
“Did what needed to be done. People think they can do whatever they want with a phone in their hands. social media has created a world where actions don’t have consequences,” wrote another fan.
“Play dumb games, win stupid prizes. He’s got nothing to be sorry for,” added an Eagles fan.
“You stood on business for family, Kelce; everyone is on your side,” wrote another user on X.
Jason, for once… don’t be humble. That kid deserved it & he messed around & found out. https://t.co/r1e7ncrGKs
— Ricky 🍃 (@SurtainEra) November 4, 2024
ESPN might have contributed to Kelce’s apology, but regardless, he did the right thing. Successful athletes should not stoop to the level of people who do idiotic things just for attention.
Although the future Hall of Famer did not do anything wrong, the apology is an excellent way of putting an end to that chapter, as there are a lot of young kids who look up to him and might try to do the same even if the situation does not warrant that kind of response.