An interaction between DK Metcalf and a Detroit Lions fan quickly went viral on Sunday after a video showing Metcalf grabbing the fan by the shirt went viral. The fan whose name is Ryan Kennedy was accused of heckling Metcalf and using a racial slur, which he has denied.
What happened between DK Metcalf and a Detroit Lions fan?
DK Metcalf, a receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers, was playing against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Sunday. The incident went viral as part of the interaction was posted online. Metcalf was seen going up to the raised seating area and grabbing Kennedy before allegedly shoving him and going back to the field.
Sources have alleged that Kennedy used the N-word, which would have prompted Metcalf’s reaction.
“I got word — obviously, I’m not condoning putting your hands on a fan or punching a fan — but he did call him a racial slur,” former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson said on the Nightcap podcast on Sunday night, according to Reuters. “He called him the N-word and he did call his mom a c–t. I think, with those words being exchanged and the fan saying that, I think that’s where the action occurred.”
“That’s a bad combination … and it caused DK to react,” Johnson added. “I’m sure he will have to deal with some type of discipline. You know how the NFL is. No matter what’s said, they want you to be able to control yourself in that situation, but I understand.”
Metcalf has since been suspended from participating in his team’s final two games and won’t receive compensation due to the incident, according to TheGrio. Security did not remove Kennedy from the event.
Detroit Lions fan Ryan Kennedy has denied using a racial slur against DK Metcalf
Kennedy said he only called Metcalf by his full name, DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf: “I called him that and then he grabbed me and ripped my shirt,” Kennedy said in an interview with the Detroit Free Press. “I’m a little shocked. Like everyone’s talking to me. I’m a little rattled, but I just want the Lions to win, baby.”
The fan also released an official statement regarding the incident via Head Murphy Law Firm.
“These allegations are completely false,” the statement read via Reuters. “Ryan Kennedy categorically denies using the ‘N-word,’ the ‘C-word,’ or any racial, misogynistic, or hate-based slur.”
The NFL has launched an investigation into the incident as both Metcalf and Kennedy have history. The football player has turned Kennedy in to the Seahawk’s security team in the past.