Should ESPN do anything? Jason Kelce smashes student's phone (1 Viewer)

[Dr. Octopus]

So yeah, my way is an intellectual way of saying that we shouldn’t necessarily say “speech has consequences”

But I think it's people saying "freedom of speech does not mean you don't have to face the consequences of your speech in all instances". That's a subtle but important difference from "speech has consequences".

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

I think the kid should be suspended or expelled from school, personally.

How about we teach people lessons, not ruin their entire lives?

 

[FreeBaGeL]

My only observation is how smart was it for Kelce (as a well known celebrity) to just be walking through a large crowd without some form of bodyguard or even a handler to help defuse this kind of situation.

Again and this is the last time I’ll write it. Maybe.

Dude is a grown *** man with millions of dollars who lives in the public eye. All he has to do was ignore the lil doosh

Maybe people don't want to ignore hatred, bigotry, racism, homophonia, etc....maybe some people are tired of hearing the "F" word or the "N" word hurled their way. We get it, you're a grown up. It rolls off your back. Maybe try wearing the sneakers of somebody else to see how they feel about it?

So your stance would be different if the kid would have called his brother anything else? Ignore the idiot kid and move on with your life unless it’s a gay slur then it’s time to jump into action?

FWIW, I’m not sure Jason Kelce has had the f (he’s married with children) or n (he’s pretty white) word hurled his way very often

I do think if he'd called him a douchebag or something he'd not have gotten the same kind of reaction.

It seems like there are three words (N word, F word, C word) that are a step above the rest in terms of how people react to it.

Neufchâtel, Fontina and camembert?

Nailed it.

 

[rockaction]

But I think it's people saying "freedom of speech does not mean you don't have to face the consequences of your speech in all instances". That's a subtle but important difference from "speech has consequences".

Makes sense. My concern is that one turns into the other rather quickly when talking about responses we normally wouldn’t encourage.

In the SP yesterday I was arguing that Kelce was provoked and that words can be provocation, so it’s not like I don’t understand that consequences exist, I’m just really hesitant after watching the video that anybody was in the right in this instance.

 

[rockaction]

My only observation is how smart was it for Kelce (as a well known celebrity) to just be walking through a large crowd without some form of bodyguard or even a handler to help defuse this kind of situation.

Again and this is the last time I’ll write it. Maybe.

Dude is a grown *** man with millions of dollars who lives in the public eye. All he has to do was ignore the lil doosh

Maybe people don't want to ignore hatred, bigotry, racism, homophonia, etc....maybe some people are tired of hearing the "F" word or the "N" word hurled their way. We get it, you're a grown up. It rolls off your back. Maybe try wearing the sneakers of somebody else to see how they feel about it?

So your stance would be different if the kid would have called his brother anything else? Ignore the idiot kid and move on with your life unless it’s a gay slur then it’s time to jump into action?

FWIW, I’m not sure Jason Kelce has had the f (he’s married with children) or n (he’s pretty white) word hurled his way very often

I do think if he'd called him a douchebag or something he'd not have gotten the same kind of reaction.

It seems like there are three words (N word, F word, C word) that are a step above the rest in terms of how people react to it.

Neufchâtel, Fontina and camembert?

Nailed it.

That was impressive.

 

[STEADYMOBBIN 22]

I personally can’t believe the things that I’m seeing some of the posters here post.

Very uncharacteristic of some of you defending Kelce. I wonder how much of it has to do with the word that was used because very few of you are about that (fighting,) life.

Just a complete reversal for this forum.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

I’m just really hesitant after watching the video that anybody was in the right in this instance.

I agree with this. Kelce was better off trading an insult back and moving on. I get why people think Kelce should be able to get away with breaking the kid's jaw, but that likely isn't great for society and personally I would expect Kelce to face consequences if he went that far.

 

[Mr.Pack]

Roid rage is real

 

[Dr. Octopus]

I wonder how much of it has to do with the word that was used

for some that seems to be the case - I get it's generally a "homophobic" slang, but in this instance it was used in the more benign "lame" way like it was used on the playground when I was a kid.

It's absurd to think this was some homophobic attack - not that it still wasn't harassment nor a wise word to use.

 

[FreeBaGeL]

I wonder how much of it has to do with the word that was used

for some that seems to be the case - I get it's generally a "homophobic" slang, but in this instance it was used in the more benign "lame" way like it was used on the playground when I was a kid.

It's absurd to think this was some homophobic attack - not that it still wasn't harassment nor a wise word to use.

I think it's just become a stigmatized word along with the 2 others I mentioned, where it's just kind of considered an unforgiveable word to use and taking the hate talk to the next level. Also probably some concept there of using that word as an insult meaning you think of those people as lessor (worthy of being proclaimed an insult to a person who is not that).

For instance, had the kid called Kelce the N word, he probably would have gotten the same reaction even though he obviously wasn't calling Kelce black. And he almost certainly would be considered by many to be racist for using the word.

 

[Mitchie]

I realize everyone may not see this distinction or perhaps haven't actually watched the video but there is nuance here in how to Kelce using the slur in that he turned it back on him by using the original slur saying "who's the f__ now" vs. calling a person that slur. Context here matters imo.

Feels like this is getting swept away in the news cycle. It's also subtle when putting a slur back on someone, it can be read several different ways.

Really?

I don’t think it’s more nuanced than someone saying “you’re a jerk”, followed by the response “no, YOU’RE THE jerk”.

What else are you reading into the exchange?

He didn't call him a f__, he asked the question who's the f___ now, after the kid used the slur. Again, it's nuanced but important imo, and if you don't see the difference you may not and I understand. Ideally he wouldn't have used the word at all, but it's different than just screaming the slur back at him.

Whatever helps you justify your stance and sleep at night, but just hilarious.

I have no skin in this game, just offering my opinion, if you don't agree no worries.

 

[Harry Manback]

I think the kid should be suspended or expelled from school, personally.

How about we teach people lessons, not ruin their entire lives?

Who ruined his life? Himself or is he a victim now?

 

[Harry Manback]

My only observation is how smart was it for Kelce (as a well known celebrity) to just be walking through a large crowd without some form of bodyguard or even a handler to help defuse this kind of situation.

Again and this is the last time I’ll write it. Maybe.

Dude is a grown *** man with millions of dollars who lives in the public eye. All he has to do was ignore the lil doosh

Maybe people don't want to ignore hatred, bigotry, racism, homophonia, etc....maybe some people are tired of hearing the "F" word or the "N" word hurled their way. We get it, you're a grown up. It rolls off your back. Maybe try wearing the sneakers of somebody else to see how they feel about it?

So your stance would be different if the kid would have called his brother anything else? Ignore the idiot kid and move on with your life unless it’s a gay slur then it’s time to jump into action?

FWIW, I’m not sure Jason Kelce has had the f (he’s married with children) or n (he’s pretty white) word hurled his way very often

I do think if he'd called him a douchebag or something he'd not have gotten the same kind of reaction.

It seems like there are three words (N word, F word, C word) that are a step above the rest in terms of how people react to it.

Neufchâtel, Fontina and camembert?

Nailed it.

That was impressive.

I think I'm being pretty consistent. Talk **** get hit.

Mike Tyson has been quoted here before but it's probably the wisest thing he's ever said. People have got way too comfortable insulting people without a fear of consequence.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

For instance, had the kid called Kelce the N word, he probably would have gotten the same reaction even though he obviously wasn't calling Kelce black. And he almost certainly would be considered by many to be racist for using the word.

I get your point as to the power of words, but if this kid said "your brother is an N-word for dating Taylor Swift", personally I would not consider that a racial attack - I'd just think the kid is stupid. Same as here.

 

[Joe Schmo]

My only observation is how smart was it for Kelce (as a well known celebrity) to just be walking through a large crowd without some form of bodyguard or even a handler to help defuse this kind of situation.

Again and this is the last time I’ll write it. Maybe.

Dude is a grown *** man with millions of dollars who lives in the public eye. All he has to do was ignore the lil doosh

Maybe people don't want to ignore hatred, bigotry, racism, homophonia, etc....maybe some people are tired of hearing the "F" word or the "N" word hurled their way. We get it, you're a grown up. It rolls off your back. Maybe try wearing the sneakers of somebody else to see how they feel about it?

So your stance would be different if the kid would have called his brother anything else? Ignore the idiot kid and move on with your life unless it’s a gay slur then it’s time to jump into action?

FWIW, I’m not sure Jason Kelce has had the f (he’s married with children) or n (he’s pretty white) word hurled his way very often

I do think if he'd called him a douchebag or something he'd not have gotten the same kind of reaction.

It seems like there are three words (N word, F word, C word) that are a step above the rest in terms of how people react to it.

Neufchâtel, Fontina and camembert?

Nailed it.

That was impressive.

I think I'm being pretty consistent. Talk **** get hit.

Mike Tyson has been quoted here before but it's probably the wisest thing he's ever said. People have got way too comfortable insulting people without a fear of consequence.

There is also the saying Don't Do the Crime if You Can't Do the Time. If you're willing to commit assault and battery and potentially be held for both civil and criminal wrongs because of an in insult then perhaps the hitting is worth it to you. For me, it's a case of knowing I can live free by not giving in to impulse.

 

[ghostguy123]

I'd be ok with any human reacting how Kelce did.
The fact that it was Kelce while holding a 12 pack makes it funny.
Brightened my day.

And an open beer in the same hand as the 12 pack. Multi-talented

This is actually the part that bothers me. Drinking on the job and open container on campus.

Some jobs don't have rules against drinking on the job.
Some campuses sell beer on campus.
Some people got their jobs partly because of their boozed up personality.

I get it, but when your drinking on the job employee smashes someone's property, the company has to own that.

Did he clock in yet?

 

[SFBayDuck]

I’m just really hesitant after watching the video that anybody was in the right in this instance.

I agree with this. Kelce was better off trading an insult back and moving on. I get why people think Kelce should be able to get away with breaking the kid's jaw, but that likely isn't great for society and personally I would expect Kelce to face consequences if he went that far.

Agreed, a response from Kelce of "Ok, virgin" and just keep walking would have been better in this situation.

 

[ghostguy123]

This is the same, imo, as the paparazzi getting their camera busted by Brando or Penn. Feels good but in reality the wrong way to go.

Oh Lord, it should be open season on any and all paparazzi equipment.
It SHOULD per perfectly acceptable to smash their stuff.

 

[ghostguy123]

I don't think the school or ESPN or anyone needs to do anything.
Expel the student? Seems harsh. He's an idiot and now even more people will know that.
Fire Kelce or have him face any legal charges? Also no.
I think the situation resolved itself in a harmonious way.
It also has made me randomly smile at times for a few days now.

 

[ghostguy123]

And yet again, with the free speech angle, the student crossed the line of speech and entered harassment territory.

 

[Max Power]

I'd be ok with any human reacting how Kelce did.
The fact that it was Kelce while holding a 12 pack makes it funny.
Brightened my day.

And an open beer in the same hand as the 12 pack. Multi-talented

This is actually the part that bothers me. Drinking on the job and open container on campus.

Some jobs don't have rules against drinking on the job.
Some campuses sell beer on campus.
Some people got their jobs partly because of their boozed up personality.

I get it, but when your drinking on the job employee smashes someone's property, the company has to own that.

Did he clock in yet?

Probably. On site is typically clocked in for most occasions. But the point is still he drinking on his way to work. Maybe a sober Kelce doesn't make the same decision.

I don't blame Kelce for the events, but I don't think ESPN can condone his actions either.

 

[Cowboysfan8]

My only observation is how smart was it for Kelce (as a well known celebrity) to just be walking through a large crowd without some form of bodyguard or even a handler to help defuse this kind of situation.

Again and this is the last time I’ll write it. Maybe.

Dude is a grown *** man with millions of dollars who lives in the public eye. All he has to do was ignore the lil doosh

Maybe people don't want to ignore hatred, bigotry, racism, homophonia, etc....maybe some people are tired of hearing the "F" word or the "N" word hurled their way. We get it, you're a grown up. It rolls off your back. Maybe try wearing the sneakers of somebody else to see how they feel about it?

So your stance would be different if the kid would have called his brother anything else? Ignore the idiot kid and move on with your life unless it’s a gay slur then it’s time to jump into action?

FWIW, I’m not sure Jason Kelce has had the f (he’s married with children) or n (he’s pretty white) word hurled his way very often

I do think if he'd called him a douchebag or something he'd not have gotten the same kind of reaction.

It seems like there are three words (N word, F word, C word) that are a step above the rest in terms of how people react to it.

Neufchâtel, Fontina and camembert?

Nailed it.

That was impressive.

I think I'm being pretty consistent. Talk **** get hit.

Mike Tyson has been quoted here before but it's probably the wisest thing he's ever said. People have got way too comfortable insulting people without a fear of consequence.

There is also the saying Don't Do the Crime if You Can't Do the Time. If you're willing to commit assault and battery and potentially be held for both civil and criminal wrongs because of an in insult then perhaps the hitting is worth it to you. For me, it's a case of knowing I can live free by not giving in to impulse.

Agreed

 

[BLOCKED_PUNT]

whatever happened to "sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me."

I'll tell you what happened. We all graduated out of elementary school.

You don't still believe words can never hurt, do you?

Just because we learn something early in life doesn't mean it's an outdated concept. I still think Kelce should have just ignored the jerk. Sure words can hurt your feelings but that's very different from bodily harm or property damage.

To the ones arguing that Kelce was justified in retaliating....the problem is where do you draw the line?


If they wanted, the school probably could still suspend him over some ethics or behavior unfitting of the university.

 

[CGRdrJoe]

whatever happened to "sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me."

I'll tell you what happened. We all graduated out of elementary school.

You don't still believe words can never hurt, do you?

Just because we learn something early in life doesn't mean it's an outdated concept. I still think Kelce should have just ignored the jerk. Sure words can hurt your feelings but that's very different from bodily harm or property damage.

To the ones arguing that Kelce was justified in retaliating....the problem is where do you draw the line?


If they wanted, the school probably could still suspend him over some ethics or behavior unfitting of the university.

someone puts a phone in my face and calls me a **** or a beaner (this has happened without the phone part) and I will gladly grab their phone and throw it a mile in the sky. The person that did it in real life got grabbed by the back of the collar and thrown out of the bar and told never to come back by the owner, this was just 6 years ago in northern michigan. The guy was a local and has been 86'd ever since that day.

 

[Fat Nick]

Actually, I think Penn State should step in and discipline the student.

As a Penn State alum, I support this comment 100%.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

Nobody says anything about the guy wearing this hat in public, but, "Ha-ha, you're dating Taylor Swift" is somehow a thing?

 

[rockaction]

Nobody says anything about the guy wearing this hat in public, but, "Ha-ha, you're dating Taylor Swift" is somehow a thing?

WTF?

 

[IvanKaramazov]

To the ones arguing that Kelce was justified in retaliating....the problem is where do you draw the line?

This works both ways. For those saying that Kelce should have just sat there and taken it, where do you draw the line? What if this kid followed Kelce around for the entire day? What if he intentionally bought tickets in the seat next to him just so he could taunting him throughout the game? What if, instead of calling Kelce's brother a "faggot," he mocked his wife for having a miscarriage? (I don't know if Jason Kelce is married or even seeing somebody -- just making a hypothetical that would put most people in face-punching territory).

I am fine with a line that says "Shove a phone in somebody's face with fighting words attached, and you can reasonably expect to get your phone broken." That seems like good middle ground to me.

 

[BLOCKED_PUNT]

Kelece likely has enough pull to get security to deal with it and I'm not sure he'd even be sitting in the stands with the rest of the rabble.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Social media and those seeking “content” have gotten way too comfortable being disrespectful and expecting no consequences. Scrawny *** kid disrespects a NFL offensive lineman to his face to get a reaction. Wasn’t that long ago, he’d be the one slammed to the ground, not the phone.

Honestly, as a PSU alum, I'm embarrassed by what the kid did.


And no, not the first time I've been embarrassed by what someone else did at Penn State.

 

[Bob Sacamano]

To the ones arguing that Kelce was justified in retaliating....the problem is where do you draw the line?

This works both ways. For those saying that Kelce should have just sat there and taken it, where do you draw the line? What if this kid followed Kelce around for the entire day? What if he intentionally bought tickets in the seat next to him just so he could taunting him throughout the game? What if, instead of calling Kelce's brother a "faggot," he mocked his wife for having a miscarriage? (I don't know if Jason Kelce is married or even seeing somebody -- just making a hypothetical that would put most people in face-punching territory).

I am fine with a line that says "Shove a phone in somebody's face with fighting words attached, and you can reasonably expect to get your phone broken." That seems like good middle ground to me.

I don't care much about celebrity couples, but from everything I've seen, he and his wife are insanely likeable.

Which also contributes to the general reaction here, I think. If Diddy or someone who comes across as generally unlikely had done this, I suspect there are lots of people who would feel differently about it.

I have what I think is an interesting question, but I suspect it would turn this into a minefield, so I will refrain.

 

[General Malaise]

Yes, Kylie Kelce is entirely and insanely likeable. Concur.

 

[northern exposure]

To the ones arguing that Kelce was justified in retaliating....the problem is where do you draw the line?

This works both ways. For those saying that Kelce should have just sat there and taken it, where do you draw the line? What if this kid followed Kelce around for the entire day? What if he intentionally bought tickets in the seat next to him just so he could taunting him throughout the game? What if, instead of calling Kelce's brother a "faggot," he mocked his wife for having a miscarriage? (I don't know if Jason Kelce is married or even seeing somebody -- just making a hypothetical that would put most people in face-punching territory).

I am fine with a line that says "Shove a phone in somebody's face with fighting words attached, and you can reasonably expect to get your phone broken." That seems like good middle ground to me.

How many years did Kelce play in the NFL? In fact, how many years has he played football? You think he's heard some trash talk in his day? But, on the field he had to show some restraint because if he didn't his team gets penalized or he gets ejected from the game.
Again what the kid did was wrong. But, that doesn't excuse Kelce smashing his phone.
He could have come back with a barbed comment,stared him down, etc.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

I wonder how the response to this would be if it were Tyreek Hill or Aaron Rodgers who smashed the phone?

What do you think ESPN should do? Am I correct that whatever your answer is, it would be the same if it was Tyreek Hill or Aaron Rodgers instead of Kelce?

I think they should all get the same non response from espn. And I can’t stand tyreek or Rodgers. I have no real opinion of Kelce. Seems like a good dude.

 

[ghostguy123]

whatever happened to "sticks and stones will break my bones but words will never hurt me."

I'll tell you what happened. We all graduated out of elementary school.

You don't still believe words can never hurt, do you?

Just because we learn something early in life doesn't mean it's an outdated concept. I still think Kelce should have just ignored the jerk. Sure words can hurt your feelings but that's very different from bodily harm or property damage.

To the ones arguing that Kelce was justified in retaliating....the problem is where do you draw the line?


If they wanted, the school probably could still suspend him over some ethics or behavior unfitting of the university.

I think Kelce drew the line pretty clear.

 

[DA RAIDERS]

Charles Barkley blew .149 at his dui and spent 5 days in jail. He’s doing alright. Kelce will be fine.

 

[Sparky Polastri]

It also means a more general concept of not getting punched or having your phone smashed for things that you say. People seem to not understand that.

"Freedom of Speech" does not mean consequence free speech in all instances.

If some one calls someone else a "f@gg@t" it's not their "Freedom of Speech" that protects them from physical harm, it's the assault laws against physical confrontation where there's no physical provocation to defend oneself from.

How does the First Amendment protect the college student in this instance?

This seems correct. I'm rather confident that the founding fathers didn't have a lot of these things considered "speech" now in their minds while writing the Constitution. The laws are there, as Dr O points out, to decipher "right/wrong" when two bits of "free speech" clash with each other.

To your very last question, the FA protects his freedom from being punished by governments for saying the words. It does NOT protect them from other citizens reacting. The aggressor in this situation IS NOT going to be sued based on "violation of my FA rights". They are going to be sued on assault charges etc.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

And no, not the first time I've been embarrassed by what someone else did at Penn State.

I sure hope not

 

[General Malaise]

Charles Barkley blew .149 at his dui and spent 5 days in jail. He’s doing alright. Kelce will be fine.

He also threw a smack-talking punk into a mirror and sent him to the hospital for FA with him. He's doing swell today I hear. Charles, not the guy with the mirror sticking out of his back.

 

[IvanKaramazov]

To the ones arguing that Kelce was justified in retaliating....the problem is where do you draw the line?

This works both ways. For those saying that Kelce should have just sat there and taken it, where do you draw the line? What if this kid followed Kelce around for the entire day? What if he intentionally bought tickets in the seat next to him just so he could taunting him throughout the game? What if, instead of calling Kelce's brother a "faggot," he mocked his wife for having a miscarriage? (I don't know if Jason Kelce is married or even seeing somebody -- just making a hypothetical that would put most people in face-punching territory).

I am fine with a line that says "Shove a phone in somebody's face with fighting words attached, and you can reasonably expect to get your phone broken." That seems like good middle ground to me.

How many years did Kelce play in the NFL? In fact, how many years has he played football? You think he's heard some trash talk in his day? But, on the field he had to show some restraint because if he didn't his team gets penalized or he gets ejected from the game.
Again what the kid did was wrong. But, that doesn't excuse Kelce smashing his phone.
He could have come back with a barbed comment,stared him down, etc.

Smack talk when you're on the field in uniform isn't the same thing as having a phone shoved in your face when you're walking down the street minding your own business.

 

[ghostguy123]

To the ones arguing that Kelce was justified in retaliating....the problem is where do you draw the line?

This works both ways. For those saying that Kelce should have just sat there and taken it, where do you draw the line? What if this kid followed Kelce around for the entire day? What if he intentionally bought tickets in the seat next to him just so he could taunting him throughout the game? What if, instead of calling Kelce's brother a "faggot," he mocked his wife for having a miscarriage? (I don't know if Jason Kelce is married or even seeing somebody -- just making a hypothetical that would put most people in face-punching territory).

I am fine with a line that says "Shove a phone in somebody's face with fighting words attached, and you can reasonably expect to get your phone broken." That seems like good middle ground to me.

How many years did Kelce play in the NFL? In fact, how many years has he played football? You think he's heard some trash talk in his day? But, on the field he had to show some restraint because if he didn't his team gets penalized or he gets ejected from the game.
Again what the kid did was wrong. But, that doesn't excuse Kelce smashing his phone.
He could have come back with a barbed comment,stared him down, etc.

Smack talk when you're on the field in uniform isn't the same thing as having a phone shoved in your face when you're walking down the street minding your own business.

Right. He had grown 350 pound men repeatedly trying to destroy him.
If that happens on the street its......different.
Anything and everything is to be expected on the field.

 

[TennesseeJed]

Actually, I think Penn State should step in and discipline the student.

Has there been confirmation that this person was even a student at Penn State?

 

[BLOCKED_PUNT]

I mean, they do flag and fine people for rule breaks and behavior that is deemed unfit so it's not like you can do "anything" on the field.

 

[Hastur]

Actually, I think Penn State should step in and discipline the student.

Has there been confirmation that this person was even a student at Penn State?

Not to my knowledge. The person in question was wearing a hoodie too. Hard to prove who it was.

I was trying to convey how the responsibility of "doing anything" should fall on the school and the student and not on ESPN and Jason.

 

[ghostguy123]

If the dude is smart (which isn't likely) he will do nothing so his name is unknown.
If he's a student that is

 

[SWC]

We could all learn something from a great man....

" I want you to be nice until it's time to not be nice." - Dalton

this is the smokey and the bandit of the 80s take that to the bank bromigos

 

[northern exposure]

To the ones arguing that Kelce was justified in retaliating....the problem is where do you draw the line?

This works both ways. For those saying that Kelce should have just sat there and taken it, where do you draw the line? What if this kid followed Kelce around for the entire day? What if he intentionally bought tickets in the seat next to him just so he could taunting him throughout the game? What if, instead of calling Kelce's brother a "faggot," he mocked his wife for having a miscarriage? (I don't know if Jason Kelce is married or even seeing somebody -- just making a hypothetical that would put most people in face-punching territory).

I am fine with a line that says "Shove a phone in somebody's face with fighting words attached, and you can reasonably expect to get your phone broken." That seems like good middle ground to me.

How many years did Kelce play in the NFL? In fact, how many years has he played football? You think he's heard some trash talk in his day? But, on the field he had to show some restraint because if he didn't his team gets penalized or he gets ejected from the game.
Again what the kid did was wrong. But, that doesn't excuse Kelce smashing his phone.
He could have come back with a barbed comment,stared him down, etc.

Smack talk when you're on the field in uniform isn't the same thing as having a phone shoved in your face when you're walking down the street minding your own business.

So,Kelce can ignore those comments on the field and show restraint. But, act like a meathead off of it?

 

[IvanKaramazov]

To the ones arguing that Kelce was justified in retaliating....the problem is where do you draw the line?

This works both ways. For those saying that Kelce should have just sat there and taken it, where do you draw the line? What if this kid followed Kelce around for the entire day? What if he intentionally bought tickets in the seat next to him just so he could taunting him throughout the game? What if, instead of calling Kelce's brother a "faggot," he mocked his wife for having a miscarriage? (I don't know if Jason Kelce is married or even seeing somebody -- just making a hypothetical that would put most people in face-punching territory).

I am fine with a line that says "Shove a phone in somebody's face with fighting words attached, and you can reasonably expect to get your phone broken." That seems like good middle ground to me.

How many years did Kelce play in the NFL? In fact, how many years has he played football? You think he's heard some trash talk in his day? But, on the field he had to show some restraint because if he didn't his team gets penalized or he gets ejected from the game.
Again what the kid did was wrong. But, that doesn't excuse Kelce smashing his phone.
He could have come back with a barbed comment,stared him down, etc.

Smack talk when you're on the field in uniform isn't the same thing as having a phone shoved in your face when you're walking down the street minding your own business.

So,Kelce can ignore those comments on the field and show restraint. But, act like a meathead off of it?

Yes, exactly.

NFL players bark at each other all the time. Teammates occasionally get into screaming matches with each other. That's fine. Everybody understands that these are highly-competitive guys, and they seem to have no problem hugging it out.

By way of contrast, most normal people would not respond well to having some guy get right up in their grill, hurling insults at their family.

Similarly, Jason Kelce has probably been touched inappropriately when he was fighting for the ball at the bottom of the pile. Go grab his testicles in public and see how that works out for you.

 

[SWC]

my thing is that you have the right of freedom of speech as a law with respect to the government but too many people think that freedom of speech means the right to say inflammatory and stupid crap without consequences to ordinary everday non government people the two are very different things take that to the bank brochachos

 

[Harry Manback]

If the dude is smart (which isn't likely) he will do nothing so his name is unknown.
If he's a student that is

He’s already been IDd because he made a video crying that Travis broke his phone.