D.K. Metcalf‘s interaction with a fan during the first half of yesterday’s Steelers-Lions game led to the widespread expectation it would result in league discipline. After a league review, a suspension has been handed down. 
Metcalf has received a two-game suspension, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports. That would keep the Pittsburgh wideout unavailable for the remainder of the regular season if upheld. Per Pelissero, Metcalf plans to appeal. As things stand, he is set to lose just over $555K in pay.
Metcalf grabbed and then released the shirt of a fan in the stands who has since identified himself as Ryan Kennedy (video link via ESPN’s Adam Schefter). No flags were thrown as a result of the incident, and the Steelers did not take any action stemming from it. Metcalf declined to speak to reporters after the game.
Earlier today, Pelissero was the first to report that Metcalf and Kennedy have a history with one another, with Metcalf having reported Kennedy to security last year while he was playing for the Seahawks. A verbal exchange between the two sparked yesterday’s incident. Metcalf has alleged Kennedy used derogatory language toward himself and his mother. Kennedy “categorically denies” doing so, as noted in a statement issued by his attorneys. According to Kennedy, the incident stemmed from Metcalf taking issue with being called by his full name.
With no penalty being issued, the league office was not allowed by rule to direct an ejection in this case. Nevertheless, it comes as little surprise a suspension has been issued given the NFL’s policy regarding altercations with fans. Metcalf ultimately made four receptions during Sunday’s win, three of which came after the incident.
Pittsburgh wound up winning in Week 16, moving the team’s record to 9-6. With Baltimore losing shortly after that contest ended, the Steelers are in a commanding position regarding the AFC North standings. A Ravens loss in Week 17 (Saturday against the Packers) or a win by Pittsburgh one day later (against the Browns) would be enough to clinch the division. Pending the outcome of the appeal, though, Metcalf will be unavailable for the Cleveland matchup and a Week 18 Baltimore game which could prove to be pivotal.
The offseason trade acquisition has been hot and cold in terms of production this season with the Steelers playing through inconsistency on offense. In all, Metcalf has totaled 850 yards and six touchdowns on 59 receptions during his debut Pittsburgh campaign. He comfortably leads the team in yardage, especially when compared to the Steelers’ other receivers. The remainder of that group will be tasked with filling in over a brief period, though.
Metcalf provided that fan with an education. I thought the league applauded that sort of thing.
More like Metcalf provided the fan a 5-6 figure pay day and gets some assault and battery charges for his trouble
For grabbing a guy’s shirt???
For throwing a punch which is all over the internet from multiple angles lol
And Metcalf’s altercation was originally picked up by the CBS telecast, a fact that ESPN know-it-all Schefter refused to acknowledge.
Did they catch what was said before DK grabbed the fan and threw the punch? Cause I haven’t heard anyone claim to have audio of the incident.
I’m sure it’s out there somewhere a fan probably has it willing to sell it for money
That guy’s more likely to get a lifetime ban from NFL stadiums than a six figure payday.
Throwing a punch is a crime and gonna cost
DK a serious chunk of change. There’s videos from pretty much every angle lol. And as the article states the dude already lawyered up.
Nobody knows what was said. DK claims one thing. Fan claims another
You can definitely see the grab and DK throwing a punch that’s indisputable and gonna cost DK
It will mostly cost him two game checks.
And a civil lawsuit for punching a fan on camera with video evidence. Those pesky pesky pesky 4k HD cameras
No one is awarding that guy a huge sum of money for what’s on those videos.
Oh what video are those lmao. Please post them cause all videos available show DK grabbing him and throwing a punch which is grounds for charges lawsuit and payday for the fan. The fan doesn’t do a thing in videos available. Please post said videos that show the fan do something wrong.
He barely even connected. You’re not going to get a settlement that comes close to two game checks without actually getting hurt.
Fun fact: assault and battery doesn’t use quantifiers like “barely”
Did DK asaault the person? Yea or no?
“Two game checks”
5-6 figures isn’t two game checks lmao. It’s not even a number. It’s a reference to place value and could range anywhere from 10,000-999,999.
And yes. DK throwing a punch could definitely net the fan somewhere between 10k-100k esp since they have a history where DK already “told security about him” when DK was in Seattle. So fan could easily claim targeted harassment and get more out of a civil lawsuit.
Sounds like Metcalf is the one who faced targeted harassment. And a jury absolutely considers barely vs. severely.
Targeted because……..?
In 2024 the Lions fan attended a Lions home game the Seahawks Lions game at Ford field in Detroit where Lions won 42-29 and the fan was chirping at DK like all fans do back when DK played for the Seahawks
DK reported the fan to Seahawks security which teams bring their own security to away games in case you’re unaware. Best example is Big Dom of the Eagles going to every game home or away as head of security for the Eagles.
And in 2025 the same Lions fan once again attends a Lions hone game at Ford Field in Detroit Steelers vs Lions and was chirping at DK again?
“Targeted” lmao
Master attorney League Needs Pokemon Masters is on the case
Common sense always prevail, if you have a reasonably functioning brain with an IQ above room temp.
I wish you got therapy as often as you changed usernames.
I wish you weren’t as wrong as often as you are. Would save me a lot of time on here.
Can’t fix stupid!
No idea what was said but in the end, it was just words. DK had much more to lose than the guy in the blue wig.
That idiot fan deserved alot worse.
Why?? You have no idea what was said.
Apparently DK stands for dumb knucklehead lmao.
Like common dude. You grabbed the fan threw a punch and are gonna get sued and charged with assault and battery at the very least on top of being suspended. Play stupid games win stupid prizes.
What the hell is 2 games? In reality, one if they clinch a playoff spot this weekend because the Steelers would probably sit the starters in week 18. Should’ve been suspended for the rest of the season.
NFLPA would file a grievance had Metcalf been suspended for the playoffs.
OK…I was ready to slag Metcalf…until I read that the guy has basically been stalking him (already reported him in SEA, followed him to DET).
Now, I think Metcalf should get, at least, one more swing. At least.
Wait.
So the same Lions fan was at the Seahawks Lions game at Ford field last year trash talking DK after Lions won 42-29
So DK should get another free swing at said fan cause the fan is back at Ford field trash talking DK again but as a member of the Steelers?
LMAO what? You say some crazy stuff like mothers who take their eyes off the road should be charged with attempted murder for putting the lives of their kids at risk but man you find ways to top yourself
Yeah. Doesn’t say it happened in Seattle. Said Metcalf reported the Lions fan to security last year playing for the Seahawks”
“ with Metcalf having reported Kennedy to security last year while he was playing for the Seahawks”
Where did you get the fan traveled across the country just to go harass DK lmao?
Your sadness is radiant. It shouldn’t be as funny as it is, but…here we are.
About as funny as your elementary school level literacy skills
“ with Metcalf having reported Kennedy to security last year while he was playing for the Seahawks”
Mind showing us where you got the fan was stalking DK having traveled all the way to Seattle to do so?
You traveled all the way from 3 years ago to strawman something I never said because you are so desperate to avenge some internet humiliation you were dealt when I don’t remember or care who you are and now you think you FINALLY have your chance…a quickly skimmed comment that doesn’t really change the overall point at all.
It is the day you’ve been waiting for, Champ.
It is the single saddest thing I might have ever seen…while still being really funny because it’s so very pathetic.
But if it keeps you from going into a school armed…let the delusion keep you warm. Enjoy.
So. Where are we about the it happened in Seattle? Find anything to back up what you said or are you gonna go with “I was wrong” or” I have poor literacy skills.”
Really two options here 66TheNumberOfTheBest
66TheNumberOfTheBest: “” I made it up”
66TheNumberOfTheBest: “ I misread what was said.”
I’m betting Goodell’s next brilliant idea will be the replacing of fans with cardboard cutouts, to prevent such incidents from happening in the future :)
I’m not sure Roger’s even realizes he’s available as an option so doubt he’ll be missed these next two games!
Idiots never learn.
My initial reaction was “DK needs to be smarter about it”, which is probably still true.
But this dude was going after him in SEA too? Something more to this.
Yeah, what a revelation that is if it turns out to be true. And if it is, I guess I’d have to wonder about a suspension instead of just a fine
I’m not absolving DK, of course. He should have been smarter. But as you said, there is more to the story, especially when the blue wigged wonder throws his arms up in triumph to the crowd as DK walks away