(Pittsburgh) Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf was suspended two games without pay by the NFL following his altercation with a Detroit Lions fan on Sunday.
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The league said Metcalf’s actions violate its rules, which state that “players are not permitted to enter the stands or attack fans at any time on game days and that … if a player has unnecessary physical contact with a fan in a manner that constitutes unsportsmanlike conduct, poses a crowd management problem or poses a risk of injury, he will be held responsible.”
Metcalf will be able to return to the Steelers lineup on Monday, January 5, after the games of the 17e week against the Cleveland Browns and the 18e week against the Baltimore Ravens.
In accordance with the collective agreement, Metcalf may appeal this suspension. A hearing will be held by the commissioner or his representative if applicable.
The Lions fan in question is Ryan Kennedy, who denied uttering a racial slur in a statement released Monday by his lawyers.
The law firm representing Kennedy told The Associated Press that its client “categorically denies” making a racial slur or other derogatory statement during the altercation with Metcalf, which ended with the Steelers player punching Kennedy.
CBS cameras captured Metcalf and Kennedy — wearing a blue wig and blue and black sweaters — during a heated exchange along the guardrail during the second quarter of the Steelers’ 29-24 victory.
Kennedy leaned over the fence and appeared to yell at the approaching receiver. Metcalf then reached out and grabbed it. The altercation ended with Metcalf punching the supporter’s head, but failing to hit him. Metcalf stayed on the field and finished the game with four receptions for 43 yards.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said Sunday that he “heard about” the incident but did not see it and did not have a chance to discuss it with Metcalf, who could not be reached afterward and was not in the locker room Monday during the team’s 45-minute news conference.
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