The Pittsburgh Steelers picked up a crucial 29-24 win over the Detroit Lions in Week 16. But what happened midgame involving Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf ended up becoming the biggest storyline of the afternoon.
Cameras caught Metcalf on the sideline involved in a heated interaction with a Lions fan later identified as Ryan Kennedy. Footage showed Metcalf grabbing Kennedy and, toward the end of the exchange, appearing to strike him.
On his Nightcap podcast, former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson suggested Metcalf’s reaction stemmed from alleged derogatory remarks made by the fan.
“I got word — obviously, I’m not condoning putting your hands on a fan or punching a fan — but he did call him a racial slur,” Johnson said. “He called him the N-word and he did call his mom a c–t. I think, with those words being exchanged and the fan saying that, that’s where the action occurred.
“That’s a bad combination [of words] … and it caused DK to react. I’m sure he’ll have to deal with some type of discipline. You know how the NFL is. No matter what’s said, they want you to be able to control yourself in that situation — but I understand.”
However, that version of events was later disputed by the fan involved.
Lions Fan Denies Chad Johnson’s Claims About DK Metcalf
In the December 22 edition of the Detroit Free Press, Kennedy denied Johnson’s claims and offered his own account of what happened. He said the confrontation began after he referred to Metcalf by his full legal name, DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf.
“I called him that, and then he grabbed me and ripped my shirt,” Kennedy told the Detroit Free Press. “I’m a little shocked. Like, everyone’s talking to me. I’m a little rattled, but I just want the Lions to win, baby.”
Additional footage later surfaced on social media, obtained by Preme Sports, showing the incident from a different angle a few rows behind Kennedy. In that video, there does not appear to be any racial or misogynistic language used by the fan. Several nearby fans, including the person filming, also corroborated Kennedy’s claim that he was simply calling Metcalf by his legal name.
Kennedy has also now taken legal action.
These allegations are completely false,” the statement released by Shawn Head and Sean Murphy of Head Murphy Law Firm reads.
DK Metcalf Faces Suspension From NFL
The NFL was unlikely to let the incident pass without discipline. NFL insider Tom Pelissero reported that Metcalf has been suspended two games without pay.
Despite this reportedly being the second incident between Metcalf and the same fan — Metcalf had previously reported Kennedy to security during his time with the Seattle Seahawks — the receiver is appealing the suspension.
If the suspension is upheld, Metcalf would miss the final two regular-season games against the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens. At 9-6, the Steelers are one win away from clinching the AFC North with a road victory over the Browns in Week 17. Pittsburgh could also clinch earlier if the Green Bay Packers defeat the Ravens on December 27.
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