Fan involved in sideline incident with Steelers' DK Metcalf 'remains under review' by NFL
- - Fan involved in sideline incident with Steelers' DK Metcalf 'remains under review' by NFL
Sean Leahy and Chris Cwik December 24, 2025 at 11:37 PM
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The NFL and the Detroit Lions are continuing to investigate the situation involving a fan and Pittsburgh Steelers receiver DK Metcalf that happened during Sunday's game at Ford Field.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the league is interested in pursuing the matter following information provided to them by Metcalf during Tuesday's appeal hearing for his two-game suspension. The investigation will focus on if the fan violated the Lions' guest code of conduct.
Here is the Lions fan code of conduct. The team found no violation and does not plan to action against the fan, who identified himself to the @freep as Ryan Kennedy. But the NFL is now following up with the team after hearing from DK Metcalf and others in his appeal hearing. pic.twitter.com/H4nyqbLX1K
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 24, 2025
“The matter remains under review,” an NFL spokesman told the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review in an email.
Metcalf's two-game suspension was upheld, the league announced Tuesday evening, ending his regular season.
The incident occurred in the second quarter of Sunday's game. While the Lions' offense was on the field, Metcalf approached a fan sitting in the front row and wearing a blue wig. After exchanging words with the fan, Metcalf appeared to throw a punch at the fan's head.
While the incident was captured on the broadcast, it was not seen by officials.
DK Metcalf appears to have an altercation with a Detroit fan pic.twitter.com/a478Zjg3tR
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) December 21, 2025
Because of that, Metcalf was not penalized and was not ejected from the contest.
The fan claimed Metcalf threw a punch because the fan taunted the wideout with his full name, DeKaylin Zecharius.
On Monday, however, sources told Tom Pelissero of NFL Network that the fan used a derogatory term when taunting Metcalf about his mother. That source also claimed the fan called Metcalf "something we both know you don't call a Black man."
The fan's attorney released a statement Monday calling the allegations against the fan, Ryan Kennedy, "completely false."
"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.
"These allegations are completely false."
During his Tuesday news conference, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said that although he doesn't condone Metcalf's actions, he supports the wide receiver.
“He did explain to me why he did what he did, and I certainly don’t condone the behavior, but I support DK," Tomlin said. "And I really don’t have a lot to add other than what I just told you."
Kennedy was escorted from his seat but not ejected from the stadium. The Lions told The Athletic on Tuesday that the team did not plan to take action against Kennedy.
The Steelers finish the regular season against the Cleveland Browns this Sunday and the Baltimore Ravens in Week 18. Pittsburgh can wrap up the AFC North title this week by beating Cleveland or with a loss by the Ravens to the Green Bay Packers.
Source: “AOL Sports”
