Should ESPN do anything? Jason Kelce smashes student's phone (3 Viewers)

[QuizGuy66]

Even though I said no suspension, he will have to buy him a new phone. That’s a given.

Only if it is one of those flip phones they market to seniors on the gameshow rerun channel.

Seems like a thread that would edge towards a now verboten forum but ymmv

-QG

 

[Judge Smails]

He's too big to fail right now. Slap on the wrist coming

 

[Yenrub]

I think they should not do anything given no law broken nor was this done on the job

I think destruction of property is a crime.

 

[ghostguy123]

I think they should not do anything given no law broken nor was this done on the job

I think destruction of property is a crime.

I think purposely antagonizing like that is (should be) a bigger crime.

 

[Irishod]

Not a fan of the Kelce brothers, but he was carrying a twelve pack of Cincinnati craft beer so I’ll gI’ve him a pass.

 

[Sunday Gravy]

I think they're both idiots. Kelce comes off like a total knob for not being able to laugh that off. The kid is a huge loser for talking like that to anyone, let alone a huge nutjob. He was probably too loaded to realize he wasn't on the internet.

 

[Hoh]

Not a fan of the Kelce brothers, but he was carrying a twelve pack of Cincinnati craft beer so I’ll gI’ve him a pass.

Garage beer is worthy!

 

[Deamon]

Of course the internet is cheering him.

Does it matter that Kelce used the same slur at the end of the video?

If only Big Dom had been there...

can't help yourself

 

[Soulfly3]

I think they should not do anything given no law broken nor was this done on the job

Perhaps I don't understand american law... But isn't smashing someone's 1000$+ property, a crime?

 

[Chaka]

I think they should not do anything given no law broken nor was this done on the job

That may not be true. I don't know about the laws wherever this happened or the cost of the phone destroyed but in many states, destruction of property over a certain dollar value can qualify as a felony.

 

[Chaka]

Does it matter that Kelce used the same slur at the end of the video?

He'll probably get in more trouble for that because of potential PR ramifications than for breaking the phone.

 

[Chaka]

Does it matter that Kelce used the same slur at the end of the video?

Context is important. If he called the offender the same slur that he called his brother, then it was justified. Is that right? Probably not, but understandable. Just my opinion. I didn’t watch the video. Probably because it really isn’t something I don’t care about. But since it was posted, I do have an opinion.

Nope.

 

[rockaction]

The intersection of corporate and woke (for lack of a better word) has been fascinating to watch and I’m interested to see how ESPN handles the slur uttered by football marketing’s new “it” fella.

I cannot claim moral high ground over young men who have uttered the slur in their younger days (Kelce is still early thirties, right?). Right now, I can almost guarantee you both men regret it, as I also regret using it in my youth. Better to act with kindness and decency than with malice and hostility.

Perhaps there will be apologies coming soon.

 

[pollardsvision]

He's got to let this stuff go, it's only going to get worse now.

Probably unpopular, but I agree.
I don't have any problem with what he did, and don't think he should be suspended.

But I absolutely believe the reaction would be different if this were most any other athlete, or someone not as likable as Jason Kelce (and of course Travis and Swift).

He lost his cool and escalated the situation. There are a lot of reasons that's not a good idea.

 

[Joe Bryant]

If ESPN came out in support of Kelce I might actually start watching their channel again. Heck, it might help their ratings.

I'm sure that's the primary part of what they're weighing in their decision.

 

[Godsbrother]

Don’t care either way what ESPN does but you can’t grab someone’s property and smash it.

 

[Boston]

Good for Kelce...there is a Revenge of the Nerds thing going on these days where people like this kid feel they can say stuff or act a certain way without ramifications...good to see a little old school schoolyard justice where tools/punks like his get put in their place.

 

[eighsse2]

I don't think he should be suspended, obviously there are legal implications to destroying someone else's property, but that is what the law is for, not your employer.

100% support the student's right to free speech. But at the same time, you know the question is antagonizing the guy. Not a kind thing to do, but you also shouldn't have to fear destruction of your property over it.

 

[Ghost Rider]

I don't think he should be suspended, obviously there are legal implications to destroying someone else's property, but that is what the law is for, not your employer.

100% support the student's right to free speech. But at the same time, you know the question is antagonizing the guy. Not a kind thing to do, but you also shouldn't have to fear destruction of your property over it.

I support free speech as well, but there are sometimes consequences to saying hateful and offensive things.

 

[Max Power]

Was he working that event? If so suspension for a week. If not, I don't think ESPN needs to do anything.

Two wrongs don't make a right.

 

[eighsse2]

I don't think he should be suspended, obviously there are legal implications to destroying someone else's property, but that is what the law is for, not your employer.

100% support the student's right to free speech. But at the same time, you know the question is antagonizing the guy. Not a kind thing to do, but you also shouldn't have to fear destruction of your property over it.

I support free speech as well, but there are sometimes consequences to saying hateful and offensive things.

Consequences to actions yes, but there is law that limits what those consequences can be. Eye for eye, tooth for tooth. Not phone for antagonizing question. (It's still stupid to antagonize people, because if someone shoots you dead over something you said, you're still dead, whether the other guy goes to prison or not. The law doesn't physically limit the other guy's retribution.)

 

[FarFromHome]

Our TikTok culture has created these monsters and people in Kelces position need to be smarter then this. Love the 80s Revenge of the Nerds references and although punching the kid in the face would feel good this isn't the 80s. Times have changed. You can't punch people in face and make it right with a beer anymore. You also can't destroy peoples stuff like that. Imo

 

[Ghost Rider]

I don't think he should be suspended, obviously there are legal implications to destroying someone else's property, but that is what the law is for, not your employer.

100% support the student's right to free speech. But at the same time, you know the question is antagonizing the guy. Not a kind thing to do, but you also shouldn't have to fear destruction of your property over it.

I support free speech as well, but there are sometimes consequences to saying hateful and offensive things.

Consequences to actions yes, but there is law that limits what those consequences can be. Eye for eye, tooth for tooth. Not phone for antagonizing question. (It's still stupid to antagonize people, because if someone shoots you dead over something you said, you're still dead, whether the other guy goes to prison or not. The law doesn't physically limit the other guy's retribution.)

Oh, I agree. Kelce should have kept his cool, but I am just saying, I don't feel bad for that idio who yelled at him for his phone being smashed or any consequences that may still be to come.

And to piggback on your example, say you (the general "you" rather than you specifically) are driving down the road and roll down your window and start yelling that same f-word at the driver next to you, who then roads you off the road, resulting in your car rolling and you dying. No, the other driver should not have done that, and he will pay the harsh price fo reacting, but I am going to feel sorry for you that you are dead? Nope, because your moronic decision to yells something offensive at a total stranger led to the actions that led to your death. Maybe that sounds harsh, but the moral of the story is, don't yell hateful things at strangers and don't act like an idiot.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Was he working that event? If so suspension for a week. If not, I don't think ESPN needs to do anything.

Two wrongs don't make a right.

Yes, he was working for ESPN at the event for the College Game Day show.

 

[efactor]

Mike Tyson recently observed, "Social media made y'all way too comfortable with disrespecting people and not getting punched in the face for it." There are consequences for your word choices. This student should have chosen his words (and who he heckled) more wisely.

Hes lucky that all that happened to him.
He should have beat that guys ***. More people need *** kickings or they wouldn't do **** like that. You dont get to walk around and say crazy things to people with zero consequences.

That's exactly the world we live in these days. Where do you think this kid learned it? Leaders of our country spout nonsense 24/7 with zero consequences. When someone responds, they get punished. Upside down world.

Personally I think Jason Kelce has become a clown like figure with all the overexposure he has gotten, but hard to blame him here. Should have just let it go, but I still get it.

 

[eighsse2]

Mike Tyson recently observed, "Social media made y'all way too comfortable with disrespecting people and not getting punched in the face for it." There are consequences for your word choices. This student should have chosen his words (and who he heckled) more wisely.

Hes lucky that all that happened to him.
He should have beat that guys ***. More people need *** kickings or they wouldn't do **** like that. You dont get to walk around and say crazy things to people with zero consequences.

People go around acting like they have some kind of shield around them that protects them to say whatever they want! Oh wait ...

 

[Max Power]

Was he working that event? If so suspension for a week. If not, I don't think ESPN needs to do anything.

Two wrongs don't make a right.

Yes, he was working for ESPN at the event for the College Game Day show.

Thanks. I find it odd that ESPN let's him drink on the job, but I guess that's kind of his shtick.

ESPN has to walk a fine line with allowing the drinking and justifying his actions after a couple drinks. It's probably in their best interest to publicly slap his hand as they shouldn't condone his actions, and hopefully it deters other talent from falling into a similar situation in the future.

 

[JohnnyU]

Is ESPN still a thing? This isn't 1985. The only thing I watch on that network is the game itself if it isn't available anywhere else. All their other programming is garbage.

 

[ghostguy123]

The world would be a better place if every idiot doing this kinda stuff with a phone would get their phone smashed.
I'm amazed at everyone here who is putting any blame on Kelce.
I hope he just started a new trend.

 

[ghostguy123]

I think they should not do anything given no law broken nor was this done on the job

That may not be true. I don't know about the laws wherever this happened or the cost of the phone destroyed but in many states, destruction of property over a certain dollar value can qualify as a felony.

Yeah, had he just walked up to the guy and smashed his phone, sure.
This dude was following, antagonizing, and the punishment seems perfectly justified.

This was beyond just free speech. There was also action involved. Had the guy been behind a table spewing idiocy, sure, ya can't do that. Multiple guys were following Kelce and antagonizing. That's not free speech at that point.

Good job Jason.

 

[barackdhouse]

I'm with Mike Tyson on this one. "Social media made y'all way too comfortable with disrespecting people and not getting punched in the face for it."

 

[Chaka]

This dude was following, antagonizing, and the punishment seems perfectly justified.

Not in the eyes of the law.

 

[SanDawg]

I will say I am a Jason Kelce fan and really have no issues with his response. However, as stated earlier, ESPN has fired folks for usually only having differing political views and expressing them, and have made some sorry excuses for removal. So, since Mr. Kelce was there on the company's dime there has to be some sort of punishment. He did more than just spike the phone. He used words that are not acceptable in today's society. Since the max penalty on this poll was 4+ games that was my vote.

 

[greenmountaingoat]

Here's my idea:

Jason's "punishment" should be visible training with a few comedians on how to deal with hecklers. Turn it into a reality tv short series.

In today's world where once-upon-a-time, a good *** kicking belonged, we need something to take the place of that that's not physical but is an effective disincentive. Nothing is coming to mind but there should be some creative solution.

 

[ProstheticRGK]

I could not care less about ESPN or whatever corporate actions they take.

The kid is an entitled doosh nozzle who got what was coming to him. Ditto the Mike Tyson quotes already posted. I’d actually be in favor of more azz whoopings against TikTok influencers who cross lines of acceptable behavior.

I love Jason Kelce. He needs to learn not to react to stupid stuff like this. Unfortunately, it’s the price of fame. I’d love to be rich, but I’d hate to be famous. Maybe this incident makes him lower his profile and limit his ridiculous oversaturation in media these days. That’d be nice.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Was he working that event? If so suspension for a week. If not, I don't think ESPN needs to do anything.

Two wrongs don't make a right.

Yes, he was working for ESPN at the event for the College Game Day show.

That's kind of important and I have yet to hear ESPN make any comments about this
If he's on the clock it clearly falls under the HR umbrella

 

[ghostguy123]

Here's my idea:

Jason's "punishment" should be visible training with a few comedians on how to deal with hecklers. Turn it into a reality tv short series.

In today's world where once-upon-a-time, a good *** kicking belonged, we need something to take the place of that that's not physical but is an effective disincentive. Nothing is coming to mind but there should be some creative solution.

The short clip of Dave Bautista dealing with a heckler was hilarious

 

[Boston]

Here's my idea:

Jason's "punishment" should be visible training with a few comedians on how to deal with hecklers. Turn it into a reality tv short series.

In today's world where once-upon-a-time, a good *** kicking belonged, we need something to take the place of that that's not physical but is an effective disincentive. Nothing is coming to mind but there should be some creative solution.

I think there is a difference between heckling/making a joke and verbally attacking your brother...the kid crossed the line.

 

[eighsse2]

Just saw the video of the guy shoving Kelce over because of his taking the phone. That is another case of retribution going too far. Seems like each party wanted to escalate the situation more and more.

 

[kyoun1e]

No.

You talk trash like that about my brother I'm doing the same. Guy probably deserved a punch in the face too...and I'd be fine with that as well.

And if he apologizes this country has truly gone soft.

 

[Zow]

I think they should not do anything given no law broken nor was this done on the job

I think destruction of property is a crime.

Yeah in my jurisdiction he could very likely be charged with criminal damage as a class 1 misdemeanor. Verbal provocation is not a defense to the act.

 

[rockaction]

Verbal provocation is not a defense to the act.

Fighting words? Chaplinsky still good law?

Fighting words is simply a speech doctrine. Never mind. It seems like a provocation, but as I read further it seems like the person has no right to utter certain inflammatory words rather than a defense for destruction of property or assault on a person.

Tell you what. Kelce could probably have had him arrested depending on what standard the circuit that covers Pennsylvania (3?) came up with over the years.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Is ESPN still a thing? This isn't 1985.

Yes. ESPN is still incredibly important and prominent.

 

[Yenrub]

Mike Tyson recently observed, "Social media made y'all way too comfortable with disrespecting people and not getting punched in the face for it." There are consequences for your word choices. This student should have chosen his words (and who he heckled) more wisely.

Hes lucky that all that happened to him.
He should have beat that guys ***. More people need *** kickings or they wouldn't do **** like that. You dont get to walk around and say crazy things to people with zero consequences.

People go around acting like they have some kind of shield around them that protects them to say whatever they want! Oh wait ...

The 1st amendment protects you from government retribution/persecution.
It's not some shield that protects you from all consequences
HTH

 

[rockaction]

Mike Tyson recently observed, "Social media made y'all way too comfortable with disrespecting people and not getting punched in the face for it." There are consequences for your word choices. This student should have chosen his words (and who he heckled) more wisely.

Hes lucky that all that happened to him.
He should have beat that guys ***. More people need *** kickings or they wouldn't do **** like that. You dont get to walk around and say crazy things to people with zero consequences.

People go around acting like they have some kind of shield around them that protects them to say whatever they want! Oh wait ...

The 1st amendment protects you from government retribution/persecution.
It's not some shield that protects you from all consequences
HTH

I think he knows that. Free speech qua free speech (meaning speech without suffering for it) is different but just as valid a free speech concept with its own rubric as free speech in a political context where the question can be about prior restraint of the press, or arrest for certain words, or civil suit for defamation, slander, libel, etc.

HTH you.

 

[Chaka]

Words only have the power the listener gives to them.

You don't get to assault people or destroy their property because they said something that you didn't like.

 

[rockaction]

This isn’t necessarily true. It can mitigate punishments and charges leveled at the person doing the property destroying.

In cases of assault and battery​

In the United States, provocation is rarely accepted as a complete defense, but state courts have ruled that it is still a mitigating factor in matters of assault and/or battery where the sentence can be reduced or the crime lowered to a lesser charge.[21] In extremely rare cases, adequate provocation has resulted in the defendant never being charged with a crime. In one famous example, prosecutors in California refused to charge astronaut Buzz Aldrin with assault after he punched conspiracy theorist Bart Sibrel in the face for aggressively confronting him and calling him "a coward, and a liar, and a thief."

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Is ESPN still a thing? This isn't 1985.

Yes. ESPN is still incredibly important and prominent.

I see this both ways.
For some folks it's non-existent
I haven't turned them on once this morning and likely won't right up thru kickoff where as you might have them on in your living room right now

-I watch ESPN when they televise MNF if it's not ABC, I will watch them if they are broadcasting live sports and I am interested in the teams but I haven't watched Sportscenter on a regular basis in 10+ years I would say and the network lost a lot when they merged and became part of Disney/ABC, whenever that decision was made

I understand what JU is saying but to keep things real, ESPN presence on a Saturday for college football, they OWN IT!
I'll watch 5 or 10 minutes of McAfee once in a while, maybe YT clip of his show, I'm not blind to their presence in a lot of folks lives but they fail to reach many others IMHO

 

[ghostguy123]

Words only have the power the listener gives to them.

You don't get to assault people or destroy their property because they said something that you didn't like.

If you don't think this goes beyond "saying something you don't like", then you are living in a different world.

This was words + actions

 

[Chaka]

Words only have the power the listener gives to them.

You don't get to assault people or destroy their property because they said something that you didn't like.

If you don't think this goes beyond "saying something you don't like", then you are living in a different world.

This was words + actions

Which part of my statement is incorrect?