Travis Kelsey says brother Jason ‘protected’ his family during smashed phone incident

Travis Kelsey his brother said Jason Kelsey defended his family as he responded to a fan’s criticism on Saturday slam a fan’s phone to the ground. The brothers discussed the incident that led to Pennsylvania State Police Investigation and included Jason exchanging homophobic slurs with a fan in an episode of their “New Heights Podcast” released Wednesday.

“I know this is weighing on you, brother. … Everyone is sharing the available videos. I think it will make the situation seem more serious than it is,” Travis said on the podcast.

“But the real situation is that some damn clown came up to you and talked about your family, and you reacted in a way that was defending your family. And maybe you used some words that you regret. And it’s a situation where you just have to learn and own it.”

Jason, ex Philadelphia Eagles center, was in State College to appear on College GameDay, which was in town for Saturday’s Penn State-Ohio State game. While outside Beaver Stadium, a fan walking behind Jason can be heard in the video using a homophobic slur in reference to the relationship between Taylor Swift and Travis. A fan asked, “Kelsey, how do you feel about your brother being the favorite for dating Taylor Swift?”

Jason then turned around and appeared to take the phone number of the fan who posted the insult and threw it to the ground. The fan demanded that Jason give him his phone back, and Jason responded, “Who now?”

Jason Kelsey previously addressed the incident on ESPN’s “Countdown to Monday” and said he was “not proud of it.” In the podcast, he expressed further remorse, saying he was “not happy with the situation.”

“My reaction brought attention to him and also brought publicity to the situation,” Jason said. “This is something I regret. It didn’t deserve attention. This is really stupid. And if I just keep walking, it’ll be an empty burger. Nobody sees this. Now it exists and only perpetuates more hatred.

“Honestly, what I regret most is saying that word. The use of the word “fan” is just funny and takes this to another level. … It’s inhumane, and it stuck with me.”

Travis praised his brother for “owning” the situation, telling Jason that “talking about it shows how sincere you are to a lot of people in this world.”

“Especially what you said Monday night, that you… you don’t choose hate. You’re just not like that,” Travis said.

A Penn State University Police and Public Safety spokesperson confirmed Tuesday that the department is investigating the incident and the review process is ongoing.

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(Photo by Jason and Travis Kelsey: Rob Carr/Getty Images)