Steelers' DK Metcalf suspended two games for fan altercation - ESPN

PITTSBURGH — Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf has been suspended two games without pay by the NFL «for conduct detrimental to the NFL for initiating a physical confrontation with a fan» during Sunday's game at Ford Field.

According to the NFL release, Metcalf's actions violate the league policy that specifies «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 plans to appeal the suspension, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. If the suspension stands, Metcalf will forfeit $555,556 for the two games.

Ryan Kennedy, the Detroit Lions fan involved in the altercation with Metcalf on Sunday, denied he used a racial slur, «misogynistic, or hate-based language during the incident,» according to a statement released by a Michigan law firm Monday.

«These allegations are completely false,» said the statement released by Shawn Head and Sean Murphy of Head Murphy Law Firm.

The statement also said that Kennedy has experienced «harassment, threats and messages advocating violence» since reports began circulating on social media that Kennedy used a racial slur toward Metcalf and called Metcalf's mother an inflammatory word.

Metcalf, who played for the Seattle Seahawks before being traded to the Steelers this year, reported Kennedy to Seattle team security in the past, a source confirmed to ESPN's Brady Henderson. The Seahawks played at Detroit in 2022, 2023 and 2024.

The CBS broadcast showed Metcalf talking to the fan, who was in a blue wig and hanging over the first-row railing.

«He came over