NFL fans watching the Pittsburgh Steelers take on the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Sunday afternoon saw something strange. At one point, the CBS Sports cameras caught DK Metcalf clinging to a Lions fan in the stands’ hair (which was a blue wig). Shortly after, Metcalf took a swing and appeared to make contact with the spectator.
It naturally drew a lot of reactions in the sports industry, and the NFL will be conducting an investigation to determine whether Metcalf will face a suspension. If he did hit the fan, chances are he’ll be suspended for at least a game, but that’s up to the NFL to decide.
Referees working the game did not see Metcalf’s interaction, so he was not penalized during the contest. Steelers coach Mike Tomlin also did not see it, and he didn’t offer any specific comments on the interaction after the game, nor did Metcalf.
Now, more details are coming out about the incident.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Metcalf had a previous run-in with the spectator, back from when Metcalf was still a member of the Seattle Seahawks.
Pelissero states that Metcalf had previously reported the fan, whose name has been identified as Ryan Kennedy, to Seahawks security in 2024. Pelissero adds that a source close to Metcalf relayed that the fan allegedly called Metcalf’s mom a derogatory word, while also calling Metcalf “something we both know you don’t call a Black man.”
Yet, the fan tells a different story.
He alleges he never called Metcalf’s mom a c—. Nor did he use any racial language targeted toward Metcalf.
Kennedy does admit to calling Metcalf by his full name — DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf. He says that’s what got Metcalf so upset during the game.
“I called him that, and then he grabbed me and ripped my shirt,” Kennedy told the 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.”
This is likely not the last we’ll hear of this. But we’re still curious to hear Metcalf’s comments on the matter.
Related: Pittsburgh Steelers a ‘Wild Card’ In Pursuit of Former First-Round QB
