The DK Metcalf fan altercation saga drags on \u2014 and may continue doing so for a while if civil legal proceedings eventually take place. The fan, Ryan Kennedy, and his lawyer held a press conference on Friday that was broadcast over Zoom to certain members of the media.<\/p>\n
Kennedy made a direct appeal to Metcalf in the very brief statement he made during the press conference.<\/p>\n
\u201cI didn\u2019t use any racial slurs, no hate speech. I mean, none of that stuff at the game. Actually never. Fifteen years season-ticket holder for the Lions, I\u2019ve never done that at all. So to DeKaylin, if you\u2019re watching this man, just if you could just say that please,\u201d Kennedy said, according to The Athletic\u2019s Mike DeFabo<\/a>.<\/p>\n Ryan Kennedy:”I didn’t use any racial slurs, no hate speech. I mean, none of that stuff at the game. Actually never. Fifteen years season ticket holder for the Lions, I’ve never done that at all. So to DeKaylin, if you’re watching this man, just if you could just say that please”<\/p>\n \u2014 Mike DeFabo (@MikeDeFabo) December 26, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n The attorney speaking on behalf of Kennedy stated that the alleged use of slurs was not corroborated by any of the video recordings or investigations that took place. He said that Kennedy was just attempting to get Metcalf to sign a Steelers jersey and used his legal first name, which was the originally communicated story via the Detroit Free Press<\/a>.<\/p>\n Kennedy and his legal counsel quickly issued a statement<\/a> denying the use of any slurs after news surfaced via Chad Johnson on the Nightcap podcast last Sunday evening. Their statement claimed Kennedy was getting harassed by others because of those allegations. That seemed to set the stage for legal action against Metcalf (and maybe others involved in spreading the allegations of slurs).<\/p>\n Mike Tomlin confirmed that to be the case during his Tuesday press conference where he said he had to be careful about what he said due to legal matters going on behind the scenes. He also said he doesn\u2019t condone what Metcalf did, but supports him nevertheless.<\/p>\n Working in Kennedy\u2019s favor is that the NFL concluded its investigation into Metcalf and upheld his two-game suspension. The initial reporting also indicated the NFL found \u201cno violation\u201d of the fan code of conduct on the part of Kennedy, but subsequent reporting stated that matter was not fully closed.<\/p>\n Reports suggest that Kennedy created problems for Metcalf<\/a> last season when the Seattle Seahawks played the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. If there is record of that incident that could factor into the NFL\u2019s investigation and potentially the legal proceedings. Kennedy\u2019s lawyer said he was cleared of any wrongdoing last season and was not ejected from the stadium at the time.<\/p>\n There is also a video of Kennedy celebrating in the immediate aftermath of the altercation with Metcalf where he appears to say, \u201cThat was the goal.\u201d<\/a> It\u2019s unclear how or if that will factor into the legal process. Kennedy\u2019s legal counsel deflected when this was brought up and redirected attention back to Metcalf\u2019s actions.<\/p>\n \u201cThe goal here is accountability, and to correct the record,\u201d the lawyer said. \u201cAgain, the false accusations of racial statements or racial slurs being used causes real damage, and that needs to be corrected. Right now we are evaluating all of our options, of course, and we are going to make sure we use any legal remedies available to protect Ryan Kennedy and his family. We are not going to litigate this in the media.\u201d<\/p>\n He didn\u2019t state a lawsuit is pending but mentioned using all legal remedies available and specifically mentioned \u201cdamage\u201d to his client.<\/p>\n Here is the full press conference via FOX 2 Detroit on YouTube<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n