Steelers’ DK Metcalf’s suspension upheld

NFL upholds two-game suspension Pittsburgh Steelers star DK Metcalf on Wednesday.

The league suspended the receiver after he hit the ball. Detroit Lions fan during the game on Sunday.

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On Monday, the NFL said Metcalf's actions violated league policy, which states that “players may not enter the stands or otherwise confront fans at any time during game day and … if a player makes unnecessary physical contact with a fan in any manner that constitutes unsportsmanlike conduct or creates crowd control issues and/or risk of injury, he will be held accountable.”

Ryan Kennedy, the Lions fan who was hit by Metcalf, was accused of making disparaging remarks about the NFL player. However, he denied using any hate speech.

Kennedy released a statement through the head of Murphy Law at Michigandenying accusations that he used the “N-word,” “the C-word,” or “any racial, misogynistic or hate-based slurs against Metcalf.” Kennedy's representatives called the allegations “completely false.”

“At no time before, during or after the incident did Mr. Kennedy use racial slurs or any hate speech,” the statement said. “Statements suggesting otherwise are untrue and are not supported by video evidence, eyewitness accounts or any contemporaneous reports. Despite media reports last night and today, Mr Kennedy has not used such language in his interactions with Mr Metcalfe or any other players in the past.

STEELS STAR WILL FACE SERIOUS MONEY PROBLEMS IF SUSPENSION FOR FIGHTING WITH FANS IS SUPPORTED

“Since these false claims began to go public, Mr. Kennedy has been subjected to harassment, threats and violent messages, raising serious concerns for the personal safety and well-being of him and his family. No private citizen should be falsely accused of such allegations or subjected to threats based on misinformation.”

The statement said Kennedy would not comment further because trial are expected.

Metcalf did not address the incident but was backed by head coach Mike Tomlin on Tuesday.

“He explained to me why he did what he did, and I certainly don't condone that behavior, but I support DK. And I really have nothing to add other than what I just told you,” he said.

CBS cameras spotted Metcalf standing in front of a fan who was near the barrier on the Steelers' sideline. He pulled off the fan's shirt and swung at the man, who was wearing a black and blue shirt and a blue wig.

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The man talked about Detroit Free Press that Metcalf was upset that he called the receiver by his full name.

Fox News' Ryan Canfield contributed to this report.

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