Travis Kelce speaks up on brother Jason's phone-smashing incident
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA: Travis Kelce expressed his support for his brother, Jason Kelce, following the latter's viral interaction with a college student who insulted their family.
On the November 6 episode of their 'New Heights' podcast, the Kansas City Chiefs player addressed the incident publicly for the first time, calling the individual involved a “f*****g clown.”
Jason Kelce's heated exchange with college student
The exchange occurred over the weekend when a student from Pennsylvania State University approached Jason Kelce with derogatory comments about Travis Kelce, referencing his relationship with singer Taylor Swift.
“Kelce how does it feel that your brother is a f****t for dating Taylor Swift?”
— Chives (@jarrett_daveler) November 2, 2024
Jason Kelce proceeded to slam this kids phone on the ground.
Looked like a Penn State student was getting in Kelce’s face for no reason. Wild scene in State College pic.twitter.com/3PEdZXWhSg
The 37-year-old retired Philadelphia Eagles player responded by repeatedly asking the student, “Who’s the f****t now?” The footage quickly circulated online, sparking public debate.
During the podcast, Travis acknowledged his brother’s reaction, noting, “You reacted in a way that was defending your family, and you might have used some words that you regret.”
He went on to praise Jason for addressing the situation maturely, including his apology on ESPN on Monday night, November 4.
“I know it’s weighing on you, brother,” Travis said sympathetically, according to Page Six.
“Everybody passing around the videos is gonna make it a bigger situation than what it really is. … You don’t choose hate. That’s not who you are," he added.
Jason Kelce expresses regret over 'hateful' language
Jason Kelce began the podcast by expressing regret for the language he used in the interaction, acknowledging it as a “hateful” moment.
“The thing I regret the most is saying that word, to be honest with you,” he shared.
Reflecting on the event, he admitted he initially wanted to retaliate against the student’s comments but realized the consequences of his response, calling the slur “f*****g ridiculous” and “over the line.”
“If I just kept walking, it would have been a nothingburger,” Jason added, saying he wishes to “stop talking about the really stupid situation” from now on.
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Jason's initial apology, made shortly after the incident, acknowledged that he was “not proud” of his actions during the incident.
A litigator revealed that he will need to pay a fine despite the former Philadelphia Eagles player's actions may not theoretically be classified as assault alongside a number of other violations, as per Marca.
While Taylor Swift has not publicly commented on the incident, she was seen showing support for the Kelce family on Monday, November 4, when she embraced Jason at Travis’ game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
