On Wednesday's edition of the "New Heights" podcast, the Kansas City Chiefs tight end addressed the controversy surrounding the matter.
"I know it's weighing on you brother. That s--t sucks," Travis said.
"You shouldn't feel this much, obviously the scrutiny or the media view on it and everyone passing around the videos being out there. That's going to make it an even bigger situation than I think what it really is."
"But the real situation is you had some f--king 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 (who currently serves as a commentator for ESPN) was in State College to take part in "College GameDay," leading up to Saturday's Penn State versus Ohio State football game.
Outside of Beaver Stadium, multiple videos captured a heckler making a homophobic insult aimed at Jason Kelce regarding Travis Kelce, who is in a relationship with Taylor Swift.
The individual can be heard yelling, "Hey Kelce, how does it feel that your brother is a f----t for dating Taylor Swift."
"Kelce how does it feel that your brother is a f****t for dating Taylor Swift?"
Jason Kelce proceeded to slam this kids phone on the ground.
Looked like a Penn State student was getting in Kelce's face for no reason. Wild scene in State College pic.twitter.com/3PEdZXWhSg
The ex-NFL player eventually turns around, snatches the man's phone and slams it on the pavement. When the individual requested the return of his phone, Jason replied, "Who’s the f----t now?"
Wednesday, while on his podcast, Jason shared his regret for what he believes will be his final apology.
“I’m not happy about the situation,” Jason said. “Me reacting gave him the time of day and it also gave the situation notoriety. That’s what I regret. Alright. It didn’t deserve attention. It’s really stupid and if I just keep walking it’s a f--king nothing burger. Nobody sees it. Now, it’s out there, and it just perpetuates more hate."
“The thing that I regret the most is saying that word, to be honest with you. The word he used is just f--king ridiculous and it takes it to another level. It’s just off the wall and f--king over the line.
“It’s dehumanizing and got under my skin... I know now that I shouldn’t have done it because now there’s a video out there with me saying that word, him saying that word, and it’s not good for anybody.”
Travis praised his older brother for his handling of the situation.
"I think you owning it and you speaking about it shows how sincere you are to a lot of people in this world, and it shows that you don’t choose hate. That’s just not who you are. I love you brother.”
The incident is being looked into by Penn State University Police and Public Safety.
Desmond Purnell
