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Pittsburgh Steelers Star wide receiver DK Metcalf was suspended two games by the NFL for an altercation with a fan during the team's win over the Detroit Lions on Sunday.
The league said Metcalfe's actions violated league policy, which states that “players may not enter the stands or otherwise engage in confrontation with fans at any time during game day and… if a player engages in unnecessary physical contact with a fan in any manner that constitutes unsportsmanlike conduct or creates crowd control problems and/or risk of injury, he will be held accountable.”
Metcalf was seen grabbing a Lions fan's T-shirt and blue Honolulu wig and swinging at him before returning to the bench. The CBS broadcast recorded the conversation, although officials did not see Metcalf involved in any incident as he continued to play on the road in a 29-24 victory. He had four catches for 42 yards.
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DK Metcalf of the Pittsburgh Steelers wipes his face on the bench during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rey Del Rio)
The fan in question, identified as Ryan Kennedy, denied using explicit or derogatory language towards Metcalf, but rather said Detroit Free Press that he called Metcalf by his full name – DeKaelin Zacharius Metcalf – and it sparked fury.
“A little shocked. It's like everyone is talking to me. I'm a little shocked, but I just want the Lions to win, baby,” a fan identified as Ryan Kennedy told the newspaper.
“What, my full name is not DeKaelin Zecharius Metcalf,” he added. “He doesn't like his government name. I called him that and then he grabbed me and tore my shirt.”
Kennedy later issued a statement through a Michigan law firm, saying allegations that he used hate speech were false.
The NFL told the Free Press it could not intervene in the ejection issue because the incident did not occur on the field. But after seeing Metcalf interfere, they imposed a massive suspension given the Steelers' playoff hopes.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during the NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Los Angeles Chargers on November 9, 2025 at Sophie Stadium in Inglewood, California. (Jevon Moore/Icon Sportswire)
Metcalf will reportedly appeal the suspension.
Pittsburgh has a two-game lead. Baltimore Ravens in the AFC North after the latter lost to the New England Patriots on Sunday night. The Steelers need one more win to clinch the division, but Metcalf's absence could impact how the Steelers operate on offense.
In Week 17, the Steelers take on the 3-12 Cleveland Browns, followed by the regular season finale in Week 18 against the Ravens at Acresure Stadium in Pittsburgh.
“I heard about it, but I didn't see it,” head coach Mike Tomlin said of the Metcalf incident after the game. “I didn’t have a chance to talk to DK.”
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Metcalf did not meet with the media after the game. He has the right to appeal the suspension if he wishes.
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