Jason Kelce has found himself at the center of a heated debate following his viral phone-smashing incident, receiving a mix of both support and criticism. In a surprising turn of events, ex-NBA player Rashad McCants has come forward to express his unwavering support for the Eagles legend. Speaking with TMZ Sports, McCants articulated that he sees no fault in how Kelce handled the situation with an unruly Penn State fan last weekend, emphasizing that the former football star acted instinctively and appropriately.

The public’s reaction to Kelce’s explosive outburst has been sharply divided. Many critics argue that Kelce crossed a significant line by echoing homophobic slurs directed at his brother, Travis, just before he forcefully smashed the fan’s cell phone onto the pavement. This incident has sparked a broader conversation about athlete conduct and the limits of public figures’ reactions to provocation.

The former North Carolina Tar Heels superstar, McCants, shared his perspective while out in Los Angeles this week, just before Kelce addressed the incident on “Monday Night Countdown.” He remarked that the instigator should be thankful that the situation didn’t escalate any further, highlighting the potential for physical confrontation. McCants stated, “He’s lucky [Kelce] didn’t punch him,” expressing admiration for Jason’s restraint during the encounter.

McCants praised Kelce, asserting, “I think Jason is a standup guy. He did what he felt was the right thing at the moment, and that was to not harm the person, but rather to damage what they cherished most, and that is that phone.” His remarks shed light on the intensity of emotions athletes experience and how they navigate confrontational situations.

Further addressing the incident, the former Minnesota Timberwolves guard criticized the use of homophobic language that sparked the altercation. He firmly positioned the blame on the individual who initiated the slurs, stating, “Someone is saying an F-slur to him about his brother. You don’t get to pick and choose to be the victim.” This highlights the complexities of accountability in confrontations involving public figures.

The identity of the man involved in the video remains unknown, and law enforcement is currently investigating the entire incident to ascertain the facts surrounding the altercation. This investigation could lead to broader discussions about athlete conduct and fan interactions.

When asked whether it would reflect poorly on the spectator to pursue legal action for the damage to his phone, the 40-year-old McCants retorted, “Justice will prevail,” indicating his belief that the situation would resolve itself appropriately. His comments reflect a growing trend of athletes standing their ground against inappropriate behavior from fans.

He added, “It’s a new type of justice right now,” suggesting that the boundaries of accountability in sports and celebrity culture are evolving. McCants’ perspective reflects a larger discussion on the dynamics between public figures and their critics.

Ultimately, McCants emphasized that athletes exist in a different realm than ordinary individuals, stating that it would be wise for everyday people to “not go f*ing with people who are not normal.” His remarks underline the unique pressures and reactions athletes face in high-stakes situations.