Jack Jones clarifies why he snatched touchdown ball back from kid in the stands during touchdown celebration… after being branded ‘the Grinch’ in viral moment in Kansas City
- The Raiders upset the Chiefs 20-14, knocking them out of first place in the AFC
- Jones posted a photo of himself with the Grinch's head on his
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Fans may have been too quick to call Jack Jones “the Grinch” after he tried to explain an incident involving a young fan in Kansas City.
During their Christmas Day showdown against the Chiefs, the Raiders cornerback took a pick-six from Patrick Mahomes and returned it for a 33-yard touchdown. After helping Las Vegas take a 17-7 lead, Jones ran to the stands to hand the ball to a young Chiefs fan.
However, Jones appeared to have mimicked the kid by pulling the ball away before he could get to it. The moment went viral as fans accused Jones of the act.
Hours after the game, Jones quoted a tweet from a disgruntled fan and explained why he pulled the ball away.
“I didn't take the ball from the kid,” Jones wrote. 'It came from that black [sic] guy who tried to take it, look at the lollipop again.”
Jack Jones explained why he pulled the ball away from a kid after his touchdown on Sunday
Jones clarified that he pulled the ball away from a fan who was trying to steal the ball from the child
While fans were too focused on how the child and his parents' joy turned to despair, not many recognized the spectator who put his hands in front of the child to take the ball.
However, Jones noticed and pulled the pigskin away.
Although his not-so-nice act turned out to be on the good side, Jones still embraced his “Grinch” label. He posted one Instagram photo of himself during the touchdown, with the Grinch's head above his.
“Merry Christmas Raider nation,” Jones wrote alongside an emoji of a Christmas tree and a pirate flag.
The Raiders then spoil the party for the Chiefs, 20-14.
The upset prevented the Chiefs from securing the top spot in the AFC playoffs as they are 9-6 on the season and 3-5 in their last eight outings.
With their second straight win, the Raiders improved to a 7-8 record. They are currently second in the AFC West with games remaining against the Colts and Broncos.