DK Metcalf punches fan: Steelers WR plans to appeal suspension per report

The NFL on Monday suspended Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf two games without pay for punching a Detroit Lions fan during Sunday’s game at Ford Field. Metcalf plans to appeal the suspension, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

Metcalf, according to Pelissero, reported the same fan to security last season. For now, he’s set to miss this Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns and the regular season finale against the Baltimore Ravens.

Metcalf’s altercation with the fan came during the second quarter. Metcalf approached the stands along the sideline as the fan leaned over the railing. Video showed Metcalf throwing a punch before walking away. Since Metcalf was off the field at the time, no in-game ejection or immediate punishment was issued.

DK Metcalf suspended, details pour out of what led to incident

A source close to Metcalf said the fan, who identified himself to the Detroit Free Press as Ryan Kennedy, allegedly directed a derogatory comment toward Metcalf’s mother and used a racial slur toward the wideout. The fan, however, claimed Metcalf reacted because he was called by his full legal name.

The fan, through a statement released by a Michigan law firm Monday afternoon, “categorically denies using the ‘N-word,’ the ‘C-word’ or any racial, misogynistic, or hate-based language during the incident.” Speaking on his “Nightcap” podcast Sunday, former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson said something the fan said caused Metcalf’s reaction.

“I got word — obviously, I’m not condoning putting your hands on a fan or punching a fan — but he did call him a racial slur,” Johnson said, via Brooke Pryor of ESPN. “He called him the N-word and he did call his mom a c–t. I think, with those words being exchanged and the fan saying that, I think that’s where the action occurred.

“That’s a bad combination [of words] … and it caused DK to react. I’m sure he will have to deal with some type of discipline. You know how the NFL is. No matter what’s said, they want you to be able to control yourself in that situation, but I understand.”

Following the 29–24 win, Metcalf declined to address the situation publicly. According to reporting from Mike DeFabo of The Athletic, Metcalf exited the locker room without speaking to reporters. Head coach Mike Tomlin declined to comment during his postgame press conference, later noting that while he had heard about the incident, he had not seen it.