Travis Kelce said his brother Jason Kelce was protecting his family when he slammed a fan's cell phone to the ground in response to a fan's jeers on Saturday. The brothers discussed the incident, which led to a Pennsylvania State Police investigation, on Wednesday's episode of their podcast “New Heights,” which also featured Jason exchanging homophobic slurs with a fan.
“I know it's weighing on you, brother. … Everyone's circulating the videos that are out there, and I think that makes it an even bigger situation than it really is,” Travis said on the podcast. He spoke at
“But the reality of the situation is that the clown came up to you and told you about your family, and you reacted in a way that was protective of your family. And you may have some words that you regret using. And it's a situation that you just have to learn from and make your own.”
Jason, a former Philadelphia Eagles center, was in State College to perform at College GameDay, which was in town for Saturday's game between Penn State and Ohio State. Outside Beaver Stadium, a fan can be heard on video making homophobic slurs about Taylor Swift and Travis' relationship as he walks behind Jason. A fan said, “Kelsey, what do you think about your brother becoming a free agent for dating Taylor Swift?”
Jason then appeared to turn around and snatch the phone of the fan who had said the slur and throw it to the ground. The fan demanded Jason return his phone, to which Jason responded, “Who's Fa?”
Jason Kelce previously addressed the incident on ESPN's “Monday Night Countdown,” saying he was “not proud.” In the podcast, he expressed further regrets, saying, “I'm not satisfied with the current situation.”
“My reaction gave him time and also gave the situation more notoriety,” Jason said. “That's what I regret. It wasn't worth the attention. It's really stupid. If we keep walking like this, it's a blank burger. No one's looking. Now it's out there. It only perpetuates more hatred.
“Honestly, my biggest regret is saying those words. The words[fans]used are just completely ridiculous and take it to another level. … It's dehumanizing. And it struck a chord with me.”
Travis praised his brother for “owning” the situation, saying, “Talk about this shows how honest you are to a lot of people in this world.” told Jason.
“Especially what you said on Monday night… you don't choose hate. That's not you,” Travis said.
A spokesperson for Penn State Police and Public Safety confirmed Tuesday that the department is investigating the incident and that a review process is underway.
Must read
(Photo of Jason and Travis Kelsey: Rob Carr/Getty Images)
