DK Metcalf punches fan: Steelers WR avoids media following game vs. Lions

During the Steelers’ matchup in Week 16, WR D.K. Metcalf decided to take a swing at a fan in the stands in Detroit. Now, following the game, Pittsburgh’s lead receiver apparently avoided addressing what happened and his actions.

According to Mike DeFabo at The Athletic, Metcalf left the locker room immediately rather than speaking to the media postgame. Mike Tomlin also then didn’t comment on the matter during his own postgame press conference.

During the second quarter of the game almost to halftime, Metcalf had gone over to the stands to address a fan who was speaking down to him on the sideline at Ford Field. With the fan leaned over the railing, Metcalf then suddenly threw a punch at him before walking away. He was not ejected from the game with him being off the field at the time, with no mid-game punishment or ejection able to be determined by those either at the NFL.

Nonetheless, a punishment of some kind is almost certainly to be expected. It may pend a review after looking into the incident, but attempting to hit or actually hitting a fan is very likely to result in consequences, whether a significant fine or possibly even a suspension of some sort, for Metcalf from the NFL.

Metcalf has by far been the leading receiver this season, in what’s his first year with the franchise following an offseason trade after spending his first six with the Seattle Seahawks, for Pittsburgh. He has posted 59 catches on 99 targets for 850 yards, averaging 56.7 per game and 14.4 per reception, and six touchdowns. That includes four receptions on nine targets for 42 yards in the 29-24 win over Detroit on Sunday evening.

Metcalf could have helped himself to some extent by telling his side of the story. However, with no comments made following the win, or, more importantly, following the incident, we await to see what is decided on this issue by those at the National Football League.

Mike Tomlin doesn’t comment on punch controversy for Metcalf

Mike Tomlin also did not react postgame to DK Metcalf punching a fan during amidst their win in Week 16 against the Detroit Lions. Per Mike DeFabo of The Athletic (per Pro Football Talk), Tomlin didn’t say anything to reporters after the incident. It was reported that Tomlin heard about the incident, though he had not seen it.

Metcalf was seen swinging at a fan in the second quarter when the game was tied at three. During the broadcast on CBS, Tracy Wolfson explained what led to the punch.

“I was watching it, and he came over because the fan in the stands was holding a four Pittsburgh jersey. He went over, and the fan said something to him. Obviously, Metcalf did not like what he said, and you saw the swipe there,” Wolfson said. “No Steelers came over to him and mentioned anything. We’ll see if the league takes action.”