Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf engaged in a physical altercation with a Detroit Lions fan on Sunday, and it was all caught on video. The reason he reportedly did so, considering the likely ramifications of his actions, is mind-blowing.
The incident occurred late in the second quarter during an injury timeout. Video footage captured by CBS cameras and widely shared on social media showed Metcalf approaching a fan leaning over the railing near the Steelers’ sideline.
The fan, wearing a blue wig (in Lions colors) and reportedly holding or wearing Steelers-related attire, exchanged words with Metcalf. Metcalf then appeared to grab the fan’s shirt, pull him closer, and shove or swing a closed fist upward toward the fan’s head before walking away.
At no point can an athlete, barring an obvious need for self-defense, put their hands on a fan. NFL officials will almost assuredly hand Metcalf a multi-game suspension, something they can ill afford from their top receiver as they try to make a playoff push.
What set off DK Metcalf?
The fan involved was identified as Ryan Kennedy, a resident of Pinckney, Michigan, and a dedicated Lions supporter. Speaking to the Detroit Free Press shortly after the incident, Kennedy explained that he had called DK Metcalf by his full government name, “DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf,” which apparently provoked the response.
“He doesn’t like his government name,” Kennedy, who was not tossed from the game, told the Free Press. “I called him that, and then he grabbed me and ripped my shirt.”
Kennedy initially gave a humorous pseudonym to reporters—”the Biggest Detroit Lions Fan Ever that got attacked by DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf”—before revealing his real name. He emphasized that his exact words during the altercation were irrelevant “because it (DK’s actions) was on camera.”
The fan also indicated that he was “a little shocked” over the entire incident.
“Like everyone’s talking to me. I’m a little rattled, but I just want the Lions to win, baby.”
The Lions didn’t win, baby. The Steelers took the victory, 29-24. Metcalf had four catches for 42 yards.
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Why wasn’t he ejected?
So the question remains, why didn’t officials eject DK Metcalf immediately after the incident?
No penalty flag was thrown by the refs, who did not witness the incident in real time. As a result, the NFL could not intervene to eject or disqualify Metcalf, per league statements. But a second angle of the incident shows Metcalf as clearly the aggresor, grabbing the fan in a violent manner.
Kennedy was not ejected from the stadium either, though Lions officials spoke with him about the event.
Postgame, Metcalf avoided media questions by leaving the locker room early. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin stated he had heard about the incident but had not seen the video or spoken to DK, offering “no comment.”
CBS sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson noted that Metcalf initially approached the fan because he was holding a Steelers jersey with Metcalf’s number. Why is he going over to the stands in the middle of a game anyway? DK brought this entire ordeal on himself.