The Dallas Mavericks are facing backlash after calling player Travis Kelce “Taylor Swift’s boyfriend” on social media.
The 34-year-old American football star sat courtside at the American Airlines Center in Dallas, Texas on Sunday to watch the Mavericks play the Minnesota Timberwolves, along with his friend and Kansas City Chiefs teammate Patrick Mahomes and his wife Brittany Mahomes.
The Dallas Mavericks’ official account (@dallasmavericks) shared a video of the pair, in which the crowd can be heard booing Kelce, who appears surprised by the negative reaction and playsfully plays with a shocked expression. But when Mahomes, the Chiefs quarterback and Texas native, stands up from his seat and waves, the crowd erupts in cheers.
“Our Pat and @taylorswift13’s boyfriend are home!” the Dallas Mavericks social media team captioned the video, tagging Taylor Swift’s official X account in the post.
Kelsey and the pop star began dating last summer. They went public with their relationship in September, when Swift showed up to watch the Chiefs play the Chicago Bears at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
While likely well-intentioned, the post divided opinion among X users. [Kelce] “Dirty” is said sarcastically.
“‘Taylor Swift’s boyfriend’ is a weird way to describe him,” Saadiq said.
“What’s the caption?” Jokcik said.
“It’s disrespectful to the best. [tight end] In the NFL,” @classic_pl wrote.
“This is how you disrespect other athletes and guests. Not cool at all,” @ChoppedCheezeNY said.
“Vulgar,” LilShadow commented.
“Sincerely, his name is Travis Kelce. He’s a back-to-back Super Bowl champion and co-host of the @newheightshow,” Melissa Hill said. “I’m a Swiftie and [Mavericks Fan for Life]”
However, some people found the post amusing, with Yvonne Petite commenting: “Love it!!”
“‘Taylor Swift’s boyfriend’ dammit,” @immamunchYRG commented, adding a laughing emoji.
“The caption is amazing,” agreed allyxx.
Patrick Smith/Getty Images Entertainment
“I’m still jealous that you don’t have Taylor Swift’s boyfriend on your team! Totally understandable,” Niki joked.
User Janie slammed those criticising the post, writing: “These comments are absolutely awful.”
“They’re literally making fun of his celebrity relationships. Remember the joke? He doesn’t care. He sure doesn’t need the Mavs.” [social media] The team is a testament to his professional success.”
Newsweek Travis Kelsey was reached via email for comment.
In September, former Mavericks owner Mark Cuban told Swift to dump the NFL star, according to ESPN. First Take On his radio show, Cuban suggested to the singer that he dump Kelsey and replace her with one of the players on his basketball team.
“Taylor, if you’re listening, Travis, I’m sorry, but break up with him,” Cuban joked. “There’s a lot of hot single guys who play for the Dallas Mavericks, and I’m gonna get you.”
In response, Kelce contacted Cuban on X, telling the business mogul to sign him to a 10-day NBA contract.
Rare knowledge
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom, seeking common ground and finding connections.
Newsweek is committed to challenging conventional wisdom, seeking common ground and finding connections.
