Steelers’ DK Metcalf’s suspension upheld

The NFL confirmed the two-game suspension of Pittsburgh Steelers star DK Metcalf on Wednesday.

The league suspended the receiver after he punched a Detroit Lions fan during a game Sunday.

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DK Metcalf of the Pittsburgh Steelers 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 Rio)

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 a manner that constitutes unsportsmanlike conduct or presents crowd control issues and/or risk of injury, he will be held responsible.”

Ryan Kennedy, the Lions fan who was the target of Metcalf’s swing, was accused of directing derogatory language toward the NFL player. However, he denied having resorted to any hate speech.

Kennedy released a statement through Head Murphy Law in Michigan, denying accusations 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 said. “Claims suggesting otherwise are false and are not supported by video evidence, eyewitness testimony or any other contemporary reporting. Despite media reports last night and today, Mr. Kennedy has not used such language in any interaction with Mr. Metcalf or any other actor in the past.

DK Metcalf #4 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on 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 to circulate in advertising, Mr. Kennedy has been the victim of harassment, threats and messages advocating violence, raising serious concerns for his personal safety and that of his family. No individual should be falsely accused of such accusations or exposed to threats based on false information.”

The statement said Kennedy would have no further comment as legal action is expected.

Metcalf has not spoken about the incident, but he 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 that behavior, but I support DK. And I really don’t have much to add other than what I just told you,” he said.

Metcalf was spotted by CBS cameras facing the fan, who was near the fence on the Steelers sideline. He pulled 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 that he called the receiver by his full name.

Ryan Canfield of Fox News contributed to this report.

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