NFL suspends Metcalf for two games after fan incident

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf has been suspended without pay for two games for conduct detrimental to the NFL after a physical confrontation with a fan during Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions, the league announced Monday.

With the suspension, Metcalf will be suspended for the rest of the regular season and will not be eligible to return until the playoffs. 

Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, the 28-year-old Metcalf may appeal the suspension. 

According to the league, Metcalf’s actions violate league policy, which specifies that “players may not enter the stands or otherwise confront fans at any time on game day and…if a player makes unnecessary physical contact with a fan in any way that constitutes unsportsmanlike conduct or presents crowd-control issues and/or risk of injury, he will be held accountable.”

Metcalf, who the Steelers acquired from the Seahawks in the offseason, reportedly told former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson that the fan called him a racial slur.

However, the fan, Ryan Kennedy, has denied it through his attorney.

Kennedy told the Detroit Free Press the following about the incident.

“What, my full name isn’t is DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf,” Kennedy said. “He doesn’t like his government name. I called him that and then he grabbed me and ripped my shirt. I’m a little shocked. Like everyone’s talking to me. I’m a little rattled, but I just want the Lions to win, baby.”

At this point, it’s a he-said, he-said situation.

At least for now, it appears that the Steelers will be without one of their best offensive weapons. 

This season, Metcalf has 59 catches for 850 and six touchdowns in 15 games with the Steelers.