Former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson addressed the incident on his Nightcap podcast, claiming that he “got word” about what was said during the exchange.
Johnson said, “Obviously I am not condoning putting your hands on a fan or punching the fan but he did call him a racial slur,” according to Justin Terranova of the New York Post.
On Friday morning, Kennedy held a press conference in which he called on Metcalf to deny the allegations that any racial slurs occurred.
GettyDK Metcalf will miss the remainder of the regular season due to the suspension.
Fan Speaks Out at Press Conference
Pryor wrote, “Ryan Kennedy, the Lions fan involved in the altercation with DK Metcalf, held a press conference this morning. Unclear his full message because the audio on their zoom was muted until halfway through. He did ask “DeKaylin” to tell people he didn’t use racial slur or hate speech.”
According to DeJanay Booth-Singleton of CBS News, Kennedy said, “I didn’t use any racial slurs, no hate speech, none of that stuff at the game … Fifteen years, season ticket holder for the Lions, I’ve never done that at all.”
Kennedy addressed Metcalf, saying, “DeKaylin, if you’re watching this, man, if you could just say that, please. My family is getting threats, and it’s not cool, so whether you said that or not, I’m sure you didn’t want that to happen to the family. Even if you did, I forgive you, man,” according to Booth-Singleton.
GettyWR DK Metcalf.
Aaron Rodgers Weighs In on Situation
Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers was asked about the incident earlier in the week and said, “I think there’s a mindset that you pay for a ticket, you say whatever the hell you want. I think there should be some sort of code of conduct. Obviously that was intentional and I think there was some celebration afterward in his part,” according to Pryor.
Pryor wrote, “Rodgers also said he thinks the rise of fantasy football, gambling and social media has added to change in fan conduct.”
Rodgers said, “A lot of that stuff is really good for the sport. Now at the same time, as you’re seeing parts of society erode, maybe the conduct has changed over the years,” according to Pryor.
GettyQB Aaron Rodgers.