Jason Kelce Cleared of Charges in Penn State Phone Incident
Jason Kelce, the beloved NFL icon and elder brother of Kansas City Chiefs star Travis Kelce, is officially in the clear following an altercation with a disruptive fan outside Penn State University’s Beaver Stadium earlier this November. Penn State campus police announced Wednesday that no charges would be filed, citing a lack of evidence and formal complaints regarding the incident.
The confrontation, which occurred just before one of the most anticipated college football matchups of the year—Penn State versus Ohio State—sparked heated online debates and garnered widespread media attention. Kelce, known for his fiery personality and commitment to his family, found himself at the center of controversy when he smashed a fan’s cellphone after enduring prolonged harassment.
What Happened Outside Beaver Stadium?
On November 2, Jason Kelce, 37, arrived at Penn State to participate in ESPN’s College GameDay, a celebrated pre-game broadcast that draws college football fans from across the nation. As Kelce walked through the crowded area outside Beaver Stadium, he was approached by a group of enthusiastic fans—one of whom quickly crossed the line.
Video footage captured by bystanders showed a man following Kelce, incessantly taunting him with derogatory remarks. The comments included a homophobic slur aimed at Kelce’s younger brother Travis, referencing his relationship with global pop sensation Taylor Swift.
“Hey, Kelce. How does it feel your brother’s a f----- dating Taylor Swift?” the fan shouted repeatedly.
Kelce initially ignored the provocation but eventually turned to address the heckler. In a moment of frustration, Kelce grabbed the fan’s phone and smashed it to the ground. In some footage, Kelce can be heard responding, “Who’s the f----- now?” as tensions escalated.
Campus Police Investigation Closes
The altercation prompted a brief investigation by Penn State campus police. Jacqueline Sheader, a public information officer for the department, confirmed Wednesday that the case has been closed.
“The individual in the video footage circulating on social media has not been identified, and no one has come forward to University Police with a related complaint about damage to personal property,” Sheader stated.
With no evidence of a damaged phone presented and no formal complaints filed, police found no grounds for pursuing charges against Kelce.
Jason Kelce Speaks Out
Days after the incident, Kelce publicly addressed the confrontation during ESPN’s Monday Night Football broadcast. The retired NFL center, known for his honesty and humility, expressed deep regret over his actions.
“I’m not happy with how I handled the situation,” Kelce said. “In a heated moment, I chose to greet hate with hate, and I don’t think that’s a productive thing.”
Kelce delved deeper into his thoughts during an episode of the New Heights podcast, which he co-hosts with Travis. He admitted that the fan’s homophobic slur upset him deeply and triggered his reaction.
“That slur is dehumanizing, and it upset me,” Kelce explained. “In the heat of the moment, I thought, ‘Hey, what can I say back to him? I’m going to throw this s--- right back in his face.’ But I shouldn’t have done that. That’s not who I want to be.”
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Support from Travis Kelce
Travis Kelce, whose relationship with Taylor Swift has become a pop-culture phenomenon, stood by his brother, emphasizing that Jason’s actions stemmed from his fierce loyalty to his family.
“You had some clown come up to you and talk about your family,” Travis said on the podcast. “You reacted in a way that was defending your family, and you might’ve used some words you regret. But the fact that you’re owning it and talking about it shows the kind of person you are.”
Travis added that the situation was a learning moment, not just for Jason but for anyone who faces harassment in public.
Public Reactions
The incident ignited a firestorm of opinions on social media. Many defended Jason Kelce’s actions, applauding his instinct to stand up to harassment and protect his brother’s honor.
“Jason Kelce is a class act,” one Twitter user wrote. “The fan crossed the line, and he responded. No one should have to put up with that kind of abuse.”
Others were more critical, questioning whether smashing the phone was an appropriate reaction.
“Jason Kelce is a role model to so many,” another user commented. “He could’ve set a better example by walking away or addressing the situation calmly.”
Lessons in Conflict Resolution
The Penn State incident has prompted larger discussions about celebrity harassment and the pressures public figures face when dealing with inappropriate behavior. The incident underscores the fine line celebrities must walk between standing up for themselves and maintaining composure in the face of provocation.
Kelce’s acknowledgment of his misstep has resonated with many as a testament to his character. “You don’t choose hate—that’s just not who you are,” Travis said, summing up his brother’s response.
As Kelce moves forward, the incident serves as a reminder of the challenges high-profile individuals face in an increasingly invasive digital age.
