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DK Metcalf suspension: NFL makes final decision after Steelers WR appeals punishment

Brian Jones Profile Picby: Brian Jones12/24/25brianjones_93

The NFL has made the final decision on the suspension of Pittsburgh Steelers WR DK Metcalf. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the suspension has been upheld, meaning Metcalf will be out for the final two games of the regular season.

“NFL upheld DK Metcalf’s two-game suspension,” Schefter said via X. “He now will miss Pittsburgh’s final two regular-season games at Cleveland and against Baltimore. Metcalf now loses $555,556 in salary and has the guarantees on $45 million voided.”

During the game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, DK Metcalf attempted to punch a fan. The NFL said Metcalf’s actions violated the league policy that specifies “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.”

“He came over because the fan in the stands was holding a ‘4’ Pittsburgh jersey. He went over, and the fan said something to him,” CBS sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson said on the broadcast. “Obviously, Metcalf did not like what he said, and you saw the swipe there. No Steelers came over to him and mentioned anything.”

On Tuesday, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin addressed the situation with Metcalf. “He did explain to me why he did what he did, and I certainly don’t condone the behavior, but I support DK,” Tomlin said. “I really don’t have a lot to add other than what I just told you. I think he has a hearing this afternoon, an appeals hearing. And I certainly don’t want to weigh in prior to that. And certainly, I’ve heard more recently that there might be legal ramifications, and so I better be careful about what I say and how I say it.”

Who was the fan who got into an altercation with DK Metcalf?

It was revealed that Metcalf got into an altercation with a Lions fan named Ryan Kennedy. In a statement from a Michigan law firm, Kennedy said he did not use a racial slur, “misogynistic, or hate-based language during the incident.”

“These allegations are completely false,” said the statement released by Shawn Head and Sean Murphy of Head Murphy Law Firm, per ESPN. The statement also said that Kennedy experienced “harassment, threats, and messages advocating violence” since it was reported that he used a racial slur toward Metcalf.

Through 15 games this season, Metcalf has caught 59 passes for 850 yards and six touchdowns. He joined the Steelers this season after spending his first six seasons with the Seattle Seahawks.