Steelers' DK Metcalf Suspended for Fan Altercation

PITTSBURGH -- Following an intense altercation with a fan, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf is facing stern discipline from the NFL. The incident occurred during the Steelers' Week 16 contest against the Detroit Lions, when Metcalf was seen grabbing and shoving a fan in attendance.

In the aftermath, more concerning details have emerged about the incident and what prompted the Steelers' superstar's response. Reports from Chad Johnson and Tom Pelissero allege that the fan hurled racial slurs at Metcalf during the exchange. Adding more complications to the matter was the revelation that the fan, identified as Ryan Kennedy, and Metcalf had previous negative interactions while he was a member of the Seattle Seahawks.

"He called him a racial slur," former Bengals star Chad Johnson said on the Nightcap Podcast."He called him the N-word and called his mom a ****. And I think with those words being exchanged and the fans saying that, I think that's where the action occurred, where I think he threw a punch. I'm not sure if he connected or whatever. But he did call him the n-word, and he called his mama, I guess, the c-word."

Despite the emerging details, the NFL had to take action and discipline Metcalf for his part in the altercation. After reviewing the situation, the league has suspended Metcalf for two games.

From the NFL on DK Metcalf being suspended two games for his physical confrontation with a fan Sunday. pic.twitter.com/zopnwRAI0A
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) December 22, 2025

The fan's representation has since released a statement claiming the reports of using a racial slur were false as well.

Ryan Kennedy categorically denies using the "N-word," the "C-word," or any racial, misogynistic, or hate-based slur during the incident that occurred on December 21, 2025 at Ford Field during the Pittsburgh Steelers-Detroit Lions game," Kennedy released in a public statement.

"These allegations are completely false.

"At no point during, or after the incident did Mr. Kennedy use racial slurs or hate speech of any kind. The claims suggesting otherwise are untrue and are not supported by video evidence, eyewitness accounts, or any contremporaneous reporting. Despite reports in the media last night and today, Mr. Kennedy has not used such language during any interactions with Mr. Metcalf or any other players in the past."

The Steelers will operate without Metcalf, turning to Adam Thielen and Marquez Valdes-Scantling as their starters with Calvin Austin III in the rotation if healthy. Austin suffered a hamstring injury against the Lions in Week 16.

Roman Wilson and Ben Skowronek are also available off the bench if needed.

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