Travis Kelce Says He Knows Why Mac Jones Took A Cheap Shot At Cincinnati Bengals DB Eli Apple

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Mac Jones’ performance in the New England Patriots’ 22-18 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals was one of his better showings of the season.

Jones went 21-of-33 for 240 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. But all anyone can talk about is his apparent cheap shot on Cincinnati Bengals cornerback Eli Apple.

After a Cincinnati fumble recovery, Jones could be seen diving low at Apple’s knees away from the play during the return. The NFL fined Jones nearly $12,000 for the play.

But he claims there was no malicious intent.

“(I) Kind of went down in front of him, trying to stop a fast guy from getting to another fast guy. It’s a split-second decision. I get hit a lot, too,” Jones said after the game.

Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce then opted to weigh in. Kelce says the hit was clearly intentional. But he also says he understands why Jones probably did it.

Travis Kelce Says Mac Jones Took Cheap Shot On Eli Apple Because ‘Talks A Lot Of Sh*t’

Despite up and down play throughout his NFL career, Apple his earned a reputation as one of the league’s biggest trash talkers.

Kelce said that this is probably the reason for Jones’ cheap shot. He discussed the issue on the latest episode of his “New Heights” podcast alongside his brother Jason.

Kelce said that Apple is a player who “talks a lot of sh*t” and that “Mac Jones probably got fed up with it.” But he goes on to condemn the hit and says that “that kind of stuff has no business in the league.”

The incident hasn’t helped to quell speculation that Jones may just be a dirty player. He was involved in an incident last year where he twisted the leg of Panthers defensive end Brian Burns. Then Jones appeared to kick Bears rookie Jaquan Brisker in the groin on a slide earlier this season.

While it could just be coincidence, the evidence is building up against the Patriots signal caller.