'Despicable': Internet slams 'Inside the NFL' for cutting out Travis Kelce's on-field outburst at Andy Reid
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA: The Kansas City Chiefs captured their second consecutive Super Bowl championship on Sunday night, February 11, defeating the San Francisco 49ers 25-22 in a thrilling game that came down to the final minutes.
However, the victory was not without controversy for Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce. Kelce was caught on video shouting angrily at head coach Andy Reid after being left out of a key play, but the 'Inside the NFL' program that aired mic'd up segments from the game notably did not play the audio, as per Daily Mail.
Kelce may have dodged a public relations nightmare, but the incident has still sparked heavy criticism from fans and pundits alike over his emotional outbursts toward the respected Reid.
Travis Kelce looked less than enthused pic.twitter.com/yncKhjtNl4
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) February 12, 2024
Travis Kelce has history of emotional outbursts during matches
By not airing the audio, the show allowed Kelce to avoid a moment that could have defined his Super Bowl legacy. The 6'5", 260-pound tight end has a history of emotional outbursts, occasionally even putting his hands on the 65-year-old Reid.
During a Christmas Day loss to the Las Vegas Raiders, Kelce slammed his helmet to the ground and physically pushed Reid as the Chiefs suffered a shocking defeat at Arrowhead Stadium.
Had the Chiefs lost the big game, Kelce's rant at a respected coach nearly old enough to be his father could have been the enduring image of Super Bowl LVIII. Instead, with Kelce safely able to celebrate his third championship, the incident has been swiftly brushed aside.
Both Kelce and Reid downplayed the run-in after the game. Kelce claimed he told Reid "how much I love him," while Reid joked that Kelce "keeps me young" and was just begging to be put back in the game.
Rather than face scrutiny over his sideline behavior, Kelce's fairytale season rolls on. He now gets to bask in the glow of a Super Bowl win with girlfriend Taylor Swift cheering him on.
Internet reacts to 'Inside The NFL' opting not to broadcast explosive audio
Upon the revelation that 'Inside The NFL' opted not to broadcast Kelce's explosive audio, the internet wasn't so quick to let Kelce off the hook. One X user criticized Kelce's actions, stating, "Reid rolled over like a puppy and defended him. His hands are tied. TK too comfortable bullying his coach. He knows he’s protected."
Reid rolled over like a puppy and defended him. His hands are tied. TK too comfortable bullying his coach. He knows he’s protected.
— 🇺🇸#GodBlessAmerica🇺🇸🟦🇺🇸 (@ctruey) February 14, 2024
Another foresaw the audio's disappearance, asserting, "I predicted this audio would be 'lost' forever by some 'snafu' in the production trailer." A third user took a direct approach, addressing the NFL and stating, "@NFL Well? Fine him and send a message!"
I predicted this audio would be "lost" forever by some "snafu" in the production trailer.
— Jonathan the Goalie (@GoalieJonathan) February 14, 2024
Another individual raised concerns about privilege, stating, "Taylor Swift privilege." Expressing strong disapproval, a fifth user commented, "What he did is despicable and he should have been dealt with immediately. No need to inject race into it. It’s bad enough on its face."
What he did is despicable and he should have been dealt with immediately. No need to inject race into it. It’s bad enough on its face.
— Susan Williams (@SusanEWilliams) February 14, 2024
This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.