NFL suspends Steelers' DK Metcalf for 2 games after altercation with Lions fan

Pittsburgh Steelers prima wide receiver DK Metcalf was suspended 2 games by the NFL for an altercation with a instrumentality during the team's triumph implicit the Detroit Lions connected Sunday. 

The league said Metcalf’s actions violated league policy, which states that "players whitethorn not participate the stands oregon different face fans astatine immoderate clip connected crippled time and…if a subordinate makes unnecessary carnal interaction with a instrumentality successful immoderate mode that constitutes unsportsmanlike behaviour oregon presents crowd-control issues and/or hazard of injury, helium volition beryllium held accountable." 

Metcalf was seen grabbing astatine the Lions fan’s garment and Honolulu bluish wig, portion taking a plaything astatine him earlier walking backmost to the bench. The CBS broadcast caught the interaction, though officials didn’t spot Metcalf progressive successful immoderate incidental arsenic helium continued to play successful the 29-24 triumph connected the road. He had 4 catches for 42 yards.

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Pittsburgh Steelers' DK Metcalf wipes his look connected the seat during the 2nd fractional of an NFL shot crippled against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, successful Detroit.  (AP Photo/Rey Del Rio)

The instrumentality successful question, identified arsenic Ryan Kennedy, denied utilizing explicit oregon derogatory connection toward Metcalf, but alternatively told the Detroit Free Press that he called Metcalf by his afloat name – DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf – and it sparked fury.

"A small shocked. Like everyone’s talking to me. I’m a small rattled, but I conscionable privation the Lions to win, baby," the fan, who was identified arsenic Ryan Kennedy, told the newspaper.

"What, my afloat sanction isn’t is DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf," helium added. "He doesn’t similar his authorities name. I called him that and past helium grabbed maine and ripped my shirt."

Kennedy enactment retired a connection done a Michigan instrumentality steadfast later, saying that accusations of him utilizing hateful connection were false.

The NFL told the Free Press that it couldn’t intervene regarding an ejection due to the fact that the incidental didn’t hap connected the field. But aft intelligibly seeing Metcalf get involved, they laid down a monolithic suspension considering the Steelers’ playoff hopes.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during the NFL crippled betwixt the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers connected Nov. 9, 2025, astatine SoFi Stadium successful Inglewood, CA. (Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire)

Metcalf volition reportedly entreaty the suspension.

Pittsburgh owns a two-game pb implicit the Baltimore Ravens successful the AFC North aft the second fell to the New England Patriots connected Sunday night. The Steelers request 1 much triumph to clinch the division, but the lack of Metcalf could impact however the Steelers run connected offense.

The Steelers play the 3-12 Cleveland Browns successful Week 17, followed by a regular-season finale against the Ravens astatine Acrisure Stadium successful Pittsburgh successful Week 18.

"I heard astir it, but I hadn’t seen it," caput manager Mike Tomlin said of Metcalf’s incidental aft the game. "I hadn’t had an accidental to speech to DK."

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Metcalf didn’t conscionable with the media aft the game. He has the close to entreaty the suspension if helium wishes.

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