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The NFL on Wednesday confirmed the two-game suspension for Pittsburgh Steelers star DK Metcalf.
The league suspended the catcher after he punched a Detroit Lions fan during a game Sunday.
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Pittsburgh Steelers’ DK Metcalf sits on the bench during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rey Del Río)
The NFL said Monday that Metcalf’s actions violated league policy, which states that “players may not enter the stands or confront fans at any time on game day and … if a player makes unnecessary physical contact with a fan in any manner that constitutes unsportsmanlike conduct or presents crowd control issues and/or risk of injury, he will be held liable.”
Ryan Kennedy, the Lions fan who took Metcalf’s swing, was accused of hurling derogatory language toward the NFL player. However, he denied using any hate speech.
Kennedy issued a statement through Head Murphy Law in Michigan, denying allegations that he used the “N-word,” the “C-word” or “any racial, misogynistic or hate-based slur toward Metcalf.” Kennedy’s representatives called the allegations “completely false.”
“At no time before, during or after the incident did Mr. Kennedy use racial slurs or hate speech of any kind,” the statement read. “Claims suggesting otherwise are false and are not supported by video evidence, eyewitness accounts or any contemporaneous reports. Despite reports in the media last night and today, Mr. Kennedy has not used such language during an interaction with Mr. Metcalf or any other player in the past.
DK Metcalf #4 of the Pittsburgh Steelers watches during the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on December 21, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
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“Since these false statements began circulating with publicity, Mr. Kennedy has been the subject of harassment, threats and messages advocating violence, which has created serious concern for his and his family’s personal safety and well-being. No private individual should be falsely accused of such allegations or exposed to threats based on misinformation.”
The statement said Kennedy would have no further comment as legal proceedings are anticipated.
Metcalf has not spoken about the incident, but received support from head coach Mike Tomlin on Tuesday.
“He explained to me why he did what he did, and I certainly don’t condone the behavior, but I support DK. And I don’t really have much to add other than what I just told you,” he said.
Metcalf was seen on CBS cameras confronting the fan, who was near the barrier on the Steelers bench. He took off the fan’s shirt and punched the man who was wearing a black and blue shirt and a blue wig.
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The man told the Detroit Free Press that Metcalf was upset because he called the wide receiver by his full name.
