As expected ever since the incident, a Detroit Lions fan is suing Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf over an altercation at Ford Field.<\/p>\n
However, the lawsuit also features some unexpected media figures.<\/p>\n
During the second quarter of the Lions-Steelers game in Week 16, Metcalf was seen having a conversation with Detroit fan Ryan Kennedy, who was leaning over the railing. At one point, Metcalf is seen swiping upward at Kennedy and walking away<\/a>. The Steelers\u2019 wide receiver was suspended for two games over the incident.<\/p>\n Steelers WR DK Metcalf hit a fan in the stands in Detroit.<\/p>\n The CBS cameras caught it, and reporter Tracy Wolfson offered more details on the incident. #NFL<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/avieHL2Jbz<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) December 21, 2025<\/a><\/p>\n On an episode of Nightcap, hosted by former NFL players Chad Johnson and Shannon Sharpe, Johnson said that Metcalf told him he reacted that way<\/a> because Kennedy used a racial slur toward him, then made another offensive comment about his mother<\/p>\n A few days later, Kennedy, wearing a backwards hat and suit, held a press conference with lawyers categorically denying that he had uttered a racial slur<\/a>.<\/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, DeKaylin, if you\u2019re watching this man, just, if you could just say that, please,\u201d Kennedy said, calling Metcalf by his legal first name, which is reportedly part of what upset the Steelers wide receiver in the first place.<\/p>\n