The NFL has ruled that Pittsburgh Steelers receiver DK Metcalf will serve a two-game suspension for an altercation with a Detroit Lions fan. At the same time, both the league and the team have confirmed that no additional punishment will be imposed on the fan, like being banned from games.
According to NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero, the NFL and the Lions have decided they will “not take action” in the case.
“Meanwhile, the NFL and the Lions will not take action against the fan involved in the altercation with Steelers WR DK Metcalf on Sunday in Detroit because ‘there was no violation of the fan code of conduct,’ per source,” Pelissero wrote.
Metcalf Seen Being Physical With Fan, Claims Racial Slur Was Used
Metcalf was denied an appeal on Monday and will miss the final two games of the season due to an altercation with a fan, identified by the Detroit Free Press as Ryan Kennedy. The incident occurred after the Steelers’ dramatic 29-24 win over the Lions on Sunday, with video showing Metcalf approaching a fan wearing a blue wig, grabbing the wig, and swiping it toward him.
Kennedy claims Metcalf became angry after being called by his full “government name.” Metcalf, however, offered a different account, citing a history with Kennedy dating back to his time with the Seattle Seahawks . According to Metcalf, he had previously reported Kennedy during a 2024 Seahawks-Lions game.
GettyDETROIT, MICHIGAN – DECEMBER 21: DK Metcalf #4 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the ball during the fourth quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on December 21, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
On Sunday, Metcalf said Kennedy directed a racial slur at him and used a derogatory term for his mother, a source close to him told Pelissero.
Kennedy’s attorney, however, released a statement calling Metcalf’s version of events untrue.
“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’s attorney said, per ESPN .
Video also emerged on Monday from a fan’s camera in the stands that doesn’t help Metcalf’s case. At least from the audio of that video, it doesn’t sound like a slur was used. In any case, the NFL sided with the fan.
Could Be a Costly Mistake for Metcalf
Metcalf will forfeit more than $500,000 for the two games missed and his suspension voids $45 million in guarantees , Pelissero reported.
Based on the terms of the four-year, $132 million extension Metcalf signed with the Steelers, the two-game suspension for conduct detrimental would allow the Steelers, if they choose, to void not just the rest of his salary for this season but $45 million in future guarantees, $25 million fully guaranteed in 2026 and $20 million in a 2027 injury guarantee.
But the Steelers have reaffirmed their commitment to Metcalf for 2026 and beyond, however, Pelissero reported.
The Steelers WR will be eligible to return to the team for a potential wild-card playoff game should the Steelers advance to the postseason. Pittsburgh currently holds a two-game lead over the Ravens in the AFC North standings. The Steelers will clinch the division title with either one win or one loss from the Ravens over the next two weeks.
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