REPORT: ESPN Has Made A Decision On What’s Going To Happen To Jason Kelce Following His Phone-Smashing Altercation With Penn State Fan Who Used Homophobic Slur

Jason Kelce & ESPN logo (Photos via Getty Images)
ESPN has made a decision on Jason Kelce following his recent altercation with a young Penn State fan.

Washington @ Penn State – NCAA Game Recap for November 09, 2024
close

The former Eagles star had an incident with a Nittany Lions supporter on his way to their game against Ohio State on Saturday that ended up going viral online.

Kelce made an appearance on ESPN’s ‘College GameDay’ ahead of the fixture, but it wasn’t a smooth Saturday as he smashed a fan’s phone for asking how he feels about his brother Travis being “f***ot” for dating Taylor Swift, because it’s apparently gay to date women now…

Kelce would grab said fan’s phone, as he was recording him at the time, before smashing it and then asking him, “Who’s the faggot now?”

ESPN Is Staying Away

While he was defending his brother and has been vindicated in the court of public opinion, Kelce didn’t actually have a right to do what he did. Still, ESPN is backing him.

According to Michael McCarthy of Front Office Sports, the network won’t comment on or punish Jason for his actions.

“FYI, ESPN not commenting on Jason Kelce incident. The Eagles center turned ‘Monday Night Countdown’ analyst smashed a punk’s phone for making offense remarks about his brother Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift,” McCarthy reported.

Kelce is scheduled to appear on ‘Monday Night Countdown’ this week, with Travis and the Chiefs set to face the Buccaneers on ‘Monday Night Football.’

Philadelphia Eagles’ center Jason Kelce recently found himself in the spotlight following an intense altercation with a Penn State fan who allegedly hurled a homophobic slur. The incident, which culminated in Kelce smashing the fan’s phone, quickly went viral, drawing substantial attention from fans, critics, and media alike. As details of the event circulated, many wondered if ESPN, which frequently collaborates with Kelce in broadcasting and promotional activities, would take disciplinary action.

According to sources close to ESPN, the network conducted an internal review to determine the appropriate response. While many believed the incident could lead to serious consequences, ESPN has opted for a measured approach. Recognizing Kelce’s reaction stemmed from defending his personal beliefs and respecting LGBTQ+ communities, ESPN has decided not to suspend or penalize him. Instead, the network aims to use the situation as an opportunity to reinforce its zero-tolerance stance on discrimination while supporting athletes who stand against offensive behavior.

Despite escaping disciplinary action, Kelce is reportedly reflecting on the impact of his actions, especially in a climate where athletes are held to high standards of conduct both on and off the field. Insiders suggest he has expressed regret for allowing the situation to escalate, but he remains firm on condemning hate speech. The fan’s use of homophobic language reportedly struck a chord with Kelce, who has spoken in support of marginalized communities in the past.

ESPN’s response emphasizes understanding Kelce’s position while maintaining the network’s commitment to respectful conduct. Rather than focus solely on Kelce’s reaction, they’ve taken steps to address the larger issue of intolerance, aiming to discourage fans from disruptive or offensive behavior at sporting events. ESPN has announced plans to collaborate with the NFL and key organizations to create campaigns promoting respect and inclusivity, urging fans to help create safer, welcoming environments at games.

While the majority of fans have supported Kelce’s reaction, some critics argue that as a public figure, he should have handled the situation more calmly. Others see his reaction as a necessary stand against prejudice, reinforcing the importance of respectful communication at sporting events. This division among fans reflects the broader debate on how athletes should respond to taunts and provocative behavior from fans.

Meanwhile, Kelce himself has remained relatively quiet about the incident, choosing to focus on his team and upcoming games. Sources close to him indicate he is committed to finding productive ways to support the causes he believes in, particularly when it comes to standing up against discrimination.

Penn State has also issued a statement condemning hate speech, emphasizing that the fan’s behavior does not represent the values of the university community. They reiterated their commitment to ensuring that fans uphold respectful conduct standards, particularly in public spaces associated with their institution.

The incident has sparked conversation around the responsibilities of both athletes and fans in maintaining sportsmanship and respect at games. With the situation now largely resolved, Kelce’s relationship with ESPN appears to remain intact, and he continues to be a central figure in both the Eagles’ lineup and sports media.

Moving forward, ESPN’s decision is likely to set a precedent for how networks handle similar incidents in the future, emphasizing a balanced approach that respects athletes’ positions on social issues while promoting respectful behavior in the sports community.