NFL player Travis Kelce defended his brother, former Philadelphia Eagles center Jason Kelce, after an incident involving a heckling fan led to a police investigation at Penn State. The incident occurred when a fan used a homophobic slur, questioning Travis’s relationship with Taylor Swift. Jason responded by taking the fan’s phone and throwing it on the ground, using the same slur back at the fan. The incident was captured on video and widely shared, leading to an investigation by Penn State University Police.
On an episode of their podcast, “New Heights Podcast,” Travis told his brother, “You had some clown come up to you and talk about your family and you reacted in a way that was defending your family. And you might have used some words that you regret using.” Jason expressed regret over his response and the attention it brought to the incident. He stated he had reacted in haste and given the situation more notoriety than it deserved.
Jason previously addressed the incident on ESPN’s “Monday Night Countdown,” where he demonstrated remorse over the situation. He further expressed his regret on the podcast, particularly for using the homophobic slur. He states that the phrase is “ridiculous” and “dehumanizing.
Travis showed support for his brother on the podcast, praising him for taking responsibility for the incident. He further added that Jason’s remarks show his sincerity to a lot of people. Travis stated, “Especially what you said on Monday night that you … you don’t choose hate. That’s just not who you are.”
The incident occurred at State College during the “College GameDay” event, featuring a football game between Penn State and Ohio State. Jason was present at the event as a guest. After the incident, the fan demanded his phone back, to which Jason retorted using the same slur that the fan had hurled at him.
The Penn State University Police and Public Safety department confirmed that they are investigating the incident. The review and investigation process of the case is ongoing as further information and context are being sought. Meanwhile, the incident has become a topic of widespread discussion due to the high-profile nature of the individuals involved.
