TODAY: Metcalf’s suspension has been upheld, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The wide receiver will officially miss the final two games of the regular season. Notably, Metcalf will also see $45MM in future guarantees voided, including the $25MM that was fully guaranteed for the 2026 season.
DECEMBER 22: 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
Annnnnnnnd the audio just dropped
The fan DID NOT call DK a racial slur
DK needs to be suspended longer for lying
link to x.com
It’s the Myles Garrett defense. When you have no defense lie about a racial slur. Maybe next year the NFL will make DK its Man of the Year!
It doesn’t matter if he did. Racial slurs don’t give people carte blanche to commit assault. This country needs to grow up
Audio dropped last night
No racial slurs were used. He called him by his legal name
You’re right. DK needs to grow up and not assault people for using his government name
link to x.com
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
Chirping? Like calling him by his given name? If that violates the law or NFL rules, Philly would have to ban its entire fan base.
Yes…he targeted DK you stooge. He wasn’t targeting a run of the mill player. Someone sitting on the sidelines. He was targeting a high profile player making a lot of money. Something you, obviously, would do yourself. Hey…it’s an easy payday. Get punched once and sue.
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.
lol it was a joke, chill. Getting worked up in the trade rumors comment section is wild
Id believe you like Pokémon. Lay off the soy and eat some meat for a change.
DK on camera assaulting the fan for calling him…….his legal name lmao
Oh yeah big pay day coming.
link to x.com
Big Oooof on this one.
It’s called assault.
@Oooof…I hope that’s the case, because he’s been flagged multiple times by DK himself and I it would be impossible to assume he’s the only player who’s flagged the guy to team officials. Anybody defensing this guy’s actions would be the same people looking for a payday. “I’ll just harrass and say whatever I want to someone who is of ‘higher rank on society than me’ so I can cash in on their retaliation.” Honestly…screw these people and screw anyone who is defending the fan. I’d die for my kids and my wife and I make a hell of a lot less than DK.
@Pokemon Mascots…so as an everyday citizen, we should be allowed to say whatever we want to professional athletes? Or anybody making more money than us? Or anybody with a higher “rank” on society than us?
Yes. Freedom of speech is a core principle of the US.
Not now a recording came out with the fan going back to his seat saying that was my goal so I’ll see you in court and if I Metcalf attorney, I said you came to the game as a white man to agitate a black man
And the jury of people that are sick of that sht would award treble damages.
So Metcalf provided the fan an education cause the fan called DK by his legal name?
Yeah. Audio just dropped. The fan DID NOT call DK a racial slur
link to x.com
Big Oooof on your part with this one. That’s why we wait for all the fact before forming opinions. But you’re not man enough to admit being wrong. Your fragile ego can’t handle it.
You’re a sad human. No need to post 100x on this. I don’t block often…
I’m not about to excuse DK for confronting a big mouth but from your tone here, it almost sounds like a personal issue.
Watch the entire video. Why does the fan throw his arms up in exaltation to the crowd when the player walks away? And if this fan has a history of harassing Metcalf in previous meetings, does that change the vehement stance you’re taking?
Again, DK should have ignored what was essentially a loud mouth, but aren’t you rushing to judgment here?
You’re really embarrassing yourself here….commenting a billion times obsessively on football trade rumors, whining and insulting people over a dk metcalf suspension story? Get a life dude
You gotta admit that a guy who gets in a fight with a fan when his team is fighting for a Playoff spot has got to have sustained some kind of brain damage or at worst has CTE. He’s the only decent WR they have and I could probably debate that also but it as to rank up there with some of the idiot plays of all time. What if that ridiculous last play in the Det. game didn’t go their way? Gotta wonder.
Yeah DKs an idiot, I’m not arguing that. I’m talking about this guys who spends his entire life in the Trade Rumors comment section crying and screaming and insulting people like a toddler
I’m not going to lie, I watched the clip twice and I can’t hear a thing that the guy is saying. I hear the person recording, but definitely not the guy with the wig.
You don’t hear racial slurs that’s for sure
But, using common sense
Fans, security, players, DK all just let the fan hurl racial slurs and nobody did nothing? Nobody said something nobody intervened?
And DK stood there being called racial slurs and all he did was grab the fan and throw one punch over a racial slurs?
Math isn’t mathing here
I’m not picking a side. I just cannot hear what the victim is saying. The person recording apparently did, which is hearsay. Hearsay isn’t inaccurate by default, but I still can’t verify what the guy was actually saying.
I can construct a scenario to support your assumptions, and it is believable, but without verifiable evidence I can’t make a solid statement.
It doesn’t matter what the fan said. If he did racially insult him they should have told security and they would have removed him. I don’t know of any team in the NFL that would let that go on. And if the fan didn’t say anything then Metcalf is a fool. Well he’s a fool either way. The perplexing thing is they said this guy was doing the same crap in Seattle. So the guy followed him to Detroit, Got front row seats just to pull Metcalf’s chain? That’s some serious dedication to real nonsense.
I’m not saying that it should or should not matter, either. I’m just saying that I can’t hear him in particular.
Also, I don’t think that the fan was in Seattle. I think that the SEA-DET incident occurred in Detroit.
Because that’s a proper response to language you dislike. Violence!
Ooof, if someone at work calls you a slur and you hit them…both of you get fired. If he calls you a slur and you go to HR, only one person gets fired.
Can’t fight fans. That’s savage activity and beneath the league.
Agree with your basic thought here. But extend the analogy to include an important detail
At work, someone calls you a slur or at least insults you. You report it. Nothing is done to the extent that the individual harasses you with a slur again, or insult at the very least.
While I agree you can’t hit the guy, some level of culpability should extend to the employer too, for allowing its employee to be in this position
First of all, this thread started with me making a joke. If you can’t tell my first comment was a joke, I worry about your literacy. Obviously players shouldn’t get physical with fans. But also, going out of your way to needle players is lousy behavior and going out of your way to needle a man Metcalf’s size is a failure of common sense.
And Macbeth, I don’t think you even like football as much as you like badmouthing football players.
A player who pays half a million dollars and puts his team at risk for losing games deserves to be commented on.
Especially when it threatens the season of my favorite QB.
I don’t know who you’re replying to but I agree 100%. That’s the bottom line, even if your analogy is flawed
But I have to laugh at some of the comments here.
Metcalf is 100% wrong but so is the fan, who apparently has harassed him before and enjoyed his moment in the spotlight.
Getting heckled is part of the job for pro athletes. You don’t have to like it, but you know what you’re signing up for. That’s why you make 10s of millions of dollars.
Yeah, on how to lose 45 million.
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.
Metcalf isn’t going to mess with a fan unless he was talking some serious trash. You can mess with players respectfully, but not cross the line.
The thing that is disturbing if true is this fan having provoked DK before to the point he made a formal complaint to the league
A lot of he said/he said here. Wonder what the facts are. I’m sure we’ll never know
Turns out you’re wrong.
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.
What the hell is 2 games? Try $555,560 dollars.
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.”
Desperation makes sad men cling to the smallest of things they can pretend to claim as victories.
Spike the microscopic football, Champ.
Do the Incel Shuffle.
So made it up. Got it.
Really two options here 66TheNumberOfTheBest
66TheNumberOfTheBest: “” I made it up”
66TheNumberOfTheBest: “ I misread what was said.”
The 3rd option is you getting a life.
If you don’t like being made fun don’t say stupid stuff on the internet like
Changing the criteria of attempted murder to include car accidents and distracted drivers
And don’t show off your illiteracy skills by commenting on something that didn’t happen lmao
Or how bout you just stop being a pathetic loser? You’re spending your whole life desperately making fun of people on football trade rumors because you’re desperate for attention? The guy you’re responding to didn’t even comment on the story lol, you’re just so desperate to be a loser @sshole for no reason
That’s true and also a recording came out of the fan. Came back to a seat saying that’s what I wanted to happen. I wanted to provoke it.
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 🙂
Lemon- Didn’t he do that already during Covid? LOL
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
-CRDB40-
My initial reaction is CRDB40 needs to be smarter about it, which is probably still true.
At the very least, be smarter than DK.
Its not that hard to look up the Seahawks 2024 schedule or 2024 Lions schedule to see that the Seahawks played the Lions in Detroit, not Seattle.
Blue hair guy is a Lions fan that went to the Lions game in Detroit to see the Lions play the Seahawks in 2024 when DK was on the Seahawks.
Blue hair guy is a Lions fan that went to the Lions game in Detroit to see the Lions play the Steelers in 2025 when DK was on the Steelers.
You’re asking too much intellectual ability of these people. You’re dealing with people a few fries short of a happy meal, few cans short of a 12 pack, few cards short of a 52 card deck. You get the idea
Keyboard warriors who go after other posters vs commenting on the article / topic. Have a Merry Christmas.
“My literacy skills are poor and I read the article wrong and didn’t use my critical thinking skills or Google to check before commenting and I don’t want to be held accountable.”
Sucks man. Double check stuff before commenting on it. Someone rightfully pointed out your incorrect post backed it up with facts and you’re butt hurt over it.
Do better next time
I hope someone got you hooked on phonics for Christmas
Dude you’re so pathetic
“in SEA” was a typo. My bad. Should have been smarter about it.
Should Metcalf get a suspension? Yes. 2 games? Probably should be more.
But this fan should likely also be barred from games.
Seems if Metcalf flagged him last year, without it escalating, and this fan goes after him again, that’s crossing a line. It’s a sad dude trying to get attention by instigating crap. It’s not hard to connect the dots on that.
I always enjoy the posts that can’t discuss the issue on these, or the sports story, and instead just look for ways to bash others. Enjoy your day.
Lots of “ifs” CRDB, but the second part of your posting here kind of shoots the first part in the foot, if true. I mean, if Metcalf had an incident and felt the need to report it, it must’ve been pretty serious. So if true, the league dropped the ball
Again, I have to put the disclaimer on this that I can’t excuse Metcalf’s actions…he should have walked away…but I just laugh at those saying he should have gotten more than two games. Why not just say you hate the Steelers or Metcalf instead? You’d be more convincing
Going after him meaning attending games and yelling his given name? How dare he! LOL.
He lost a surgeons salary by shoving a blue haired man. What is life
Trade him to the Cowboys. Problem solved.
Naw. That fan bleeds Lions blue. Has a no trade clause
Missed opportunity to say “No Trade Claws” for said Lions fan 🤣🍻
You could also say “No Trade Claus” since it’s almost Christmas 🤣
What!? Only two-game suspension?
Im watching
What is it with Steelers and their WR’s? Especially under Tomlin.
Obviously I don’t what was said but I do recognize the type of “fan” that goes to games and yells at the players. They think they have a place in the game. Clowns
Well, thank goodness they got rid of that troublemaker George Pickens.
2 games is a joke. This should be a major suspension and or ban. You can’t put your hands on fans. Grabbing the guy by his wig is unacceptable, throwing a punch is beyond unacceptable. The city of Detroit should be pressing charges.
Does anyone remember the last time something like this happened that the guilty party DIDNT try to avoid accountability because someone said something racial??? Take your time, I’ll wait.
Your comments seem to indicate that you believe racial epithets are acceptable forms of speech. Might want to work on that a bit, and be a better person.
Might want to wait till all the facts come out next time cause no racial slurs were used.
Are you that gullible to just trust someone every time they claim racism? Cmon Jussie Smoklet, don’t Bubba Wallace your credibility on this website now. Or are you suggesting and justifying it’s ok to lie and falsely claim racial slurs were used in an attempt to excuse poor behavior and decision making skills? If so you need to be a better person.
link to x.com
I’ll ask you again because you failed to respond the first time
For the 10th time, I’ll agree that Metcalf should have stayed away from the fan. Point blank
But as you attempt to canonize the fan, perhaps you could attempt to analyze two troubling items here. One, if the fan has harassed Metcalf before, prompting the player to complain to team and league officials, doesn’t that history itself paint this in a different light? Two, why does the fan harass Metcalf and after the player walks away, raises both of his arms skyward in exultation in an effort to place the spotlight on himself among the crowd.
Metcalf was wrong.
But please stop portraying this fan as just an innocent ticket holder razzing a player
I’ve answered this
You’re upset a Lions fan attended the 2024 Seahawks Lions game at Ford Field where Lions won 42-29 and DK reported the fan to security, probably because DK was butt hurt they lost if anything (he’s already been caught lying about racial slurs and the fan version is proven correct where he was calling DK his legal name).
And the same fan attends a Steelers Lion game at Ford Field in Detroit and is calling DK his legal name not using racial slurs as proven by video evidence
And suddenly you think this is some pattern of harassment? So every year I go to the Colts Texans game in Houston cause I’m a season ticket holder and I’m yelling things at Shane Steichen I’m stalking Steichen? Lmao no. Common now.
The prior history between the two now doesn’t look good for DK either cause he’s already been proven a liar claiming racial slurs that never happened. If anything DK over reacted then to being called his legal name again and reported the fan. He has a history of lying about events.
First of all, I’m not upset. We are talking millionaires and behavior and truly, I couldn’t care less
Secondly, your analogy is nice and convenient but it glosses over what looks much more ominous. This wasn’t you, simply yelling at a player or coach. If that was the case then I’d largely agree with your reasoning. Instead, it’s more like a fan going out of his way to target an individual to elicit the kind of response we saw. Once he had that response, he endeavored to make a spectacle of himself.
I doubt that you as a fan simply booing a player would have had the same reaction and likely would not have been looking to garner the affection and admiration of other hometown fans
Again, Metcalf crossed the line and I’m sure your assertion that there was no spew of racial epithets to be found in tape has merit (Reminds me of Garrett hitting Rudolph with his helmet then retreating behind this dog whistle of an explanation, something no one else heard)
But beyond all of this, examine the idea of a fan who for whatever reason has tried to target and trigger an individual player. As a professional, Metcalf should have realized he wasn’t on his high school playground. But just as succinctly, it’s hard for anyone with an iota of intelligence to feel some sympathy for an instigator with an axe to grind.
Ok. I’ve said my peace. Time to get back to the real world
Merry Christmas
“Instigator”
Calling DK his legal government issues name given to him by his mother and being upset a Lions fan is using his legal name is the weakest excuse I’ve ever heard for attacking someone
Like go change your name if you’re unhappy with it. Chad Johnson did it just fine. Never assaulted a fan who called
Him Chad instead of Ocho Cinco
Again, you’re relying on the fan’s take here. That’s nice and convenient but there are three sides to every story
If this is all that upset Metcalf, it reminds me of the Seinfeld “Can’t stand ya” episode.
Sure DK… because white people scream racial slurs in the middle of a sold out football stadium in DETROIT all the time. It’s not like it’s something that if true would at least earn you an ass kicking at worst if on the “off chance “ it got caught on camera at an NFL FOOTBALL GAME would completely ruin your life. Not like there aren’t cameras and microphones covering every square inch of the stadium not to mention 35,000 people with camera phones…. Yep… Sounds plausible to me!!
You’re asking a lot of people with critical thinking skills of a lion fish.
Yeah.
DK stood there letting the fan scream racial slurs
The fans did and said nothing about the fan screaming racial slurs
The police standing next to DK did and said nothing about the fan screaming racial slurs
Nobody within ear shot who heard these racial slurs except DK did something lmao
Like common. Even an ounce of common sense says things aren’t adding up here
Mason Rudolph is still waiting for an apology.
Garret should have been arrested for that
I’ve seen a bizarre rise online in people who seem to think Rudolph actually used a racial slur, despite zero evidence of it.
Football stadium during a game and there’s audio?
Probably too much audio than not enough. The clip that Pokémon Masters linked above has too many people telling for me to accurately discern what was said by the victim.
Notably, Metcalf will also see $45MM in future guarantees voided, including the $25MM that was fully guaranteed for the 2026 season.
LOL play stupid games win stupid prizes
And still gets to deal with a civil lawsuit and assault battery charges
How many hours did you spend today refreshing this page to offer your take and get in fights?
None
I get dings to my email notifications that say someone responded.
But thank you for your concern and time spent responding to my comments. Without fans like you I wouldn’t have a space to share my thoughts and feelings. Want an autograph or something?
If that fan can prove he didn’t use racial slurs, you’re also looking at defamation.
Wow… The voided guarantees really add some teeth to the suspension.