The Penn State University Police and Public Safety department is currently investigating an incident involving retired Philadelphia Eagles center and ESPN NFL analyst Jason Kelce, which took place outside Beaver Stadium during a football game against Ohio State last Saturday. The incident reportedly stemmed from a verbal altercation between Kelce and a Penn State fan, who was in attendance for the game.
According to Jacqueline Sheader, a public information officer for Penn State, the investigation is ongoing. Sheader confirmed to Will Graves of the Associated Press that Kelce was in State College, Pennsylvania, to participate in the College GameDay program when the incident occurred. A police representative also validated the ongoing investigation in a conversation with Alex Andrejev of The Athletic, noting an entry in the department's incident log that recorded an officer witnessing a visitor damaging personal property. The log suggested potential charges of 'criminal mischief' and 'disorderly conduct.'
Following the incident, videos surfaced showing the Penn State fan appearing to provoke Kelce by referencing his brother, Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, and pop star Taylor Swift, which reportedly included the use of derogatory language. In response, Kelce is seen turning towards the fan, taking the fan's cellphone, and throwing it down after allegedly using an anti-gay slur himself. On subsequent media appearances, including his role on ESPN's Monday Night Countdown, Jason Kelce addressed the incident, expressing regret for allowing the situation to escalate. He emphasized the importance of treating others with respect and recognized that responding to hate with hate is not a constructive approach to conflict resolution.
