Jason Kelce says he "really hates" the city of Philadelphia's decision to build a new Sixers' arena in Center City.
“I would prefer it says in South Philly, unquestionably," Kelce told Joe DeCamara and Jon Ritchie on Thursday's 94WIP Morning Show.
"And I'll say this, when it does get built in Center City and all of these people are displaced, at the end of the day people are probably going to love it. In 10 years, all of this is going to be different we’re probably really happy there’s this beautiful complex that was developed down there and is a thriving part of the city. But right now I really hate it. And part of me is like, I have scars of this from growing up in Cleveland and watching Art Modell trying to strong arm the city and then move them to Baltimore. I really have a strong disdain for the fact that this guy strong armed the city by threatening to move them out of the city and all of these people that have devoted all of their time, all of their efforts, all of their money—a lifetime of fandom towards this team. And now you are going to strong arm people against what the city wants. I really have a hard time being OK with that, I'm not OK with it. I think it's wrong.
"They're strong arming the city, what do you do? Do you risk losing the Sixers? It just sucks! The ownership group isn't Philadelphian. He's got a New Jersey Devils team, a Philadelphia team and now a Washington team. And now they’re forcing the city to do what this guy wants and it sucks! Like I said, at the end of the day, I think we're all going to be really happy with it. I do think that, other than the people that get displaced out of Chinatown and the people that aren't going to be able to live there anymore...Part of this is growing up in Cleveland and I lost a football team for three years. I just don't think that amount of disrespect towards the citizens that allow you to have this team is appropriate."
On Wednesday, Philadelphia mayor Cherelle Parker announced the city's agreement for a new Center City arena.
“An agreement has been reached that will ensure that our Sixers are staying home. My administration has reached an agreement with the Philadelphia 76ers for an arena in Center City," she said.
"Philadelphia, I am proud. This is historic agreement. It is the best financial deal ever entered into by a Philadelphia mayor for a local sports arena. And I whole heartedly believe it is the right deal for the people of Philadelphia."
Kelce responded on X, continuing the conversation.