The NFL has handed down a two-game suspension for Pittsburgh Steelers receiver DK Metcalf after he punched a fan in the stands at Ford Field during his game against the Detroit Lions.
“Metcalf’s actions violate league policy, which specifies that ‘players may not enter the stands or otherwise confront fans at any time on game day and…if a player makes unnecessary physical contact with a fan in any way that constitutes unsportsmanlike conduct or presents crowd-control issues and/or risk of injury, he will be held accountable,’” a statement from the NFL said.
Per several reports, Metcalf is appealing the suspension.
What happened between Metcalf and the fan?
There are conflicting reports on what caused the altercation between Metcalf and the fan. The fan, who told the Detroit Free Press his name is Ryan Kennedy, said Metcalf got upset because he called him by his full name.
“He doesn’t like his government name. I called him that and then he grabbed me and ripped my shirt,” Kennedy said. “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.”
Unsurprisingly, there is a different side to the story. According to ESPN, Metcalf had a history with this fan, and even previously reported Kennedy to Seattle team security at a different game. Former NFL receiver Chad Johnson said on his podcast that the fan used a racial slur that caused Metcalf to go into the stands.
That is an allegation Kennedy refutes, via this statement from a Michigan law firm.
“These allegations are completely false. At no point before, during, or after the incident did Mr. Kennedy use racial slurs or hate speech of any kind. The claims suggesting otherwise are untrue and are not supported by video evidence, eyewtiness accounts, or any contemporaneous reporting.“
Video of DK Metcalf punching fan
There have now been several angles of the altercation:
See More:
