The NFL has suspended DK Metcalf two games without pay for his role in the altercation with a Lions fan during the Steelers’ 29-24 win over the Detroit Lions at Ford Field.
As for the other party involved? Neither the NFL nor the Lions will punish the fan as Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports that the league found “no violation of the fan code of conduct.”
Ryan Kennedy, the Lions fan involved in the altercation, issued a statement through a Michigan law firm “categorically” denying “using the ‘N-word,’ the ‘C-word’ or any racial, misogynistic, or hate-based language during the incident.” He told the Detroit Free Presson Sunday that calling Metcalf by his full name — DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf — is what angered Metcalf.
Kennedy, who was in the front row of the stands behind the Steelers bench, had his shirt collar grabbed by Metcalf before Metcalf forcefully released him, shoving him backward.
The NFL suspended Metcalf for two games for engaging in conduct detrimental to the NFL, and an appeals officer upheld the suspension on Tuesday.
