Jason Kelce has recently addressed the fallout from his comments regarding the World Series on his podcast, New Heights. The retired NFL player faced criticism after questioning the excitement around the matchup between the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Toronto Blue Jays, suggesting that the Dodgers’ significant payroll made their victory inevitable.
During the podcast episode, Kelce, alongside his brother Travis, expressed indifference toward the event, stating, “You’re telling me I’m supposed to get excited about a Canadian baseball team and a team that spends more money than everybody else?” He went on to decry the notion that championships could be purchased, referring to the situation as “the dumbest thing in the world.” Kelce’s comments sparked outrage among baseball fans, particularly supporters of the Blue Jays, who felt their team’s accomplishments were being dismissed.
In response to the backlash, Kelce took to social media to clarify his remarks. On his X account, he expressed his affection for Canada and revealed that he was, in fact, rooting for the Blue Jays, despite his lack of personal investment in the World Series. “How could I not love poutine, maple syrup and beavers!!” he remarked, aiming to convey his love for Canadian culture while explaining that his earlier comments were meant to critique the financial disparities in baseball rather than disrespect the teams involved.
Kelce is not alone in facing scrutiny regarding the World Series. Prince Harry recently found himself in hot water for wearing a Dodgers hat at Game 4 while failing to support a Commonwealth team like the Blue Jays. During a speech in Toronto, he apologized for his choice of headwear, humorously referring to it as “hatgate” and explaining that he felt compelled to wear it due to his invitation to the Dodgers’ box.
As Kelce navigates the impact of his comments, it’s clear that discussions around sports, financial equity, and team pride continue to resonate with fans, reflecting both passion and the intricate dynamics of sports culture.