Steelers’ DK Metcalf Suspension Sparks Controversy as Fan Denies Using Slurs
The fallout from the altercation involving Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf and a Detroit Lions fan continues to unfold, with the fan at the center of the incident now stepping forward to publicly deny serious accusations that have surfaced in recent days.
At a press conference held Friday, Ryan Kennedy - the fan involved - addressed the situation alongside his legal team, urging Metcalf to clear the air over allegations that Kennedy used racial and misogynistic slurs during a recent game. Kennedy, a 15-year season ticket holder for the Lions, made an emotional plea to the suspended wideout, denying any use of hate speech and asking Metcalf to publicly confirm that no such language was used.
“I didn’t use any racial slurs, no hate speech - none of that stuff at the game. Actually, never,” Kennedy said. “To DeKaylin, if you’re watching this, man, just - if you could just say that, please.”
Kennedy’s attorney, Shawn Head, emphasized that the aim of the press conference wasn’t to escalate the situation but to “correct the record” after Kennedy and his family were reportedly subjected to threats and online harassment in the days following the incident. According to Head, Kennedy’s business has also been hit with negative reviews, and his personal safety has become a concern.
Head was direct in his comments, saying, “Allegations of being a racist can be one of the most damaging things that can come against a person.” He also stated that Kennedy was investigated by Lions security on game day and cleared to return to his seat, which he did, watching the rest of the game from the stands.
The incident gained traction after Metcalf’s suspension was announced - a two-game ban that will keep him out for the remainder of the regular season. The league handed down the punishment following an altercation that reportedly stemmed from Metcalf’s interaction with Kennedy, who was wearing a Metcalf Steelers jersey and had approached the player for an autograph. According to Kennedy, he referred to the wideout by his full name, “DeKaylin,” and nothing more.
Former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson added fuel to the fire when he claimed on his podcast that Kennedy used both the N-word and the C-word during the exchange. Head firmly denied those accusations during the press conference, calling the claims “absolutely false.”
“We’re here today for one reason: to correct the record,” Head said. “Ryan Kennedy did not use the N-word.
Ryan Kennedy did not use the C-word. And he did not use any racial slurs whatsoever - at any time.”
While Kennedy’s legal team has reached out to Metcalf’s representatives requesting a public correction of the alleged false claims, they say they have not received a response. No lawsuit has been filed at this time, but the legal team has not ruled it out.
The NFL, meanwhile, is still conducting its own investigation into whether Kennedy violated the league’s fan code of conduct. That review stems from evidence Metcalf reportedly presented during his appeals hearing. However, the league upheld Metcalf’s suspension, and he will miss two games - costing him over half a million dollars in game checks each week.
This isn’t the first time Kennedy has come into contact with Metcalf at Ford Field. According to Head, Metcalf previously notified security about Kennedy during earlier games when Metcalf was still with the Seahawks. Those incidents - from games in 2022, 2023, and 2024 - were also investigated by stadium security and, according to Head, resulted in Kennedy being cleared of any wrongdoing.
As it stands, Metcalf has not spoken publicly about the incident. He is currently barred from the Steelers’ facility while serving his suspension, which will keep him off the field for the final two games of the regular season. Whether he or the league will provide further clarification remains to be seen, but the situation has clearly struck a nerve - both on and off the field.