Penn State Police Investigate Jason Kelce Phone-Smashing Incident
Police at Penn State University have launched an investigation into the incident involving former NFL player Jason Kelce and the smashing of a fan's phone.
The police department's incident log recorded an entry on Saturday stating that an "officer observed a visitor damaging personal property."
PSU public information officer Jacqueline Sheader confirmed Tuesday that the incident involved Kelce and noted that the investigation is ongoing. The report cited potential charges of criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.
The Phone-Smashing Incident
A social media video shows Kelce moving through a crowd near Penn State's Beaver Stadium, where fans asked for photos and fist bumps. The scene turned tense when one fan began heckling Kelce, allegedly shouting an anti-gay slur referencing his brother, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce , over his relationship with pop star Taylor Swift .
The fan in question apparently stated, "Kelce how does it feel that your brother is a f***** for dating Taylor Swift?"
The video captures Kelce seizing the fan's phone and throwing it to the ground before turning to confront the man, who was wearing Penn State attire. During the exchange, Kelce appeared to use the same anti-gay slur. Another fan intervened, stepping between them before the altercation could intensify.
Kelce's Response
While appearing on the NFL 's Monday Night Countdown show, he addressed the issue before the Kansas City Chiefs and Tampa Bay Buccaneers matchup.
"I think everybody seen on social media everything that took place this week. Listen, I am not happy with anything that took place. I'm not proud of it," he said. "In a heated moment, I chose to greet hate with hate. I just don't think that is a productive thing. I really don't. I don't think it leads to discourse and is the right way to go about things. In that moment I fell down to a level that I shouldn't have. The bottom line is, I want to live my life, I try to live my life by the golden rule."
Kelce continued, "That is what I have always been taught. I try to treat people with common decency and respect. I'm going to keep doing that moving forward, even though I fell short this week. I'm going to do that moving forward...I think we have a game to focus on, and I don't think this is the platform to necessarily go into more detail."
Fan Response
After Jason released his apology on air, fans were quick to leave their thoughts on videos of the broadcast on social media.
"He shouldn't have apologized for doing the right thing," said one user on X (formerly Twitter ).
Another seemingly agreed, saying, "Not accepted because it wasn't needed sir."
A third user commented, "Man that's weak, but in the end it's best to take the high road."
This includes reporting from The Associated Press.
