Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers addressed the incident in which primary wide receiver DK Metcalf swiped at a fan, leading to a two-game suspension.
“I think there’s a mindset that you pay for a ticket, you can say whatever the hell you want,” Rodgers informed reporters on Wednesday (December 24) through the New York Post. “I feel there must be some kind of code of conduct. Obviously that was intentional, and I feel there was some celebration afterward on his half. Obviously don’t condone what DK did, however I perceive. There’s been a number of loopy feedback stated my method over time. The fact is that might by no means occur nose to nose.
“There’s two sides to every story. I support DK, I’ll continue to support DK.”
An alternate angle of the incident reveals the fan, Ryan Kennedy, saying “that was the goal” after Metcalf threw a punch at him. Additionally, Metcalf, then a member of the Seattle Seahawks, had beforehand reported the fan to crew safety throughout a earlier incident, a supply confirmed to ESPN‘s Brady Henderson, with the Seahawks having performed at Ford Field in 2022, 2023 and 2024.
Metcalf was suspended two video games for the incident, NFL Network‘s Tom Pelissero reported on Monday (December 22).
“The NFL is suspending Steelers WR DK Metcalf two games without pay for physically confronting a Lions fan during Sunday’s win at Detroit, per sources. Metcalf, who had reported the same fan to security last season, plans to appeal,” Pelissero wrote on his X account.
Kennedy, of Pinckney, Michigan, claimed Metcalf attacked him after he referred to as him by his full “government name” throughout the Steelers’ 29-24 win towards the Lions at Ford Field on Sunday (December 21). The fan initially referred to himself because the “Biggest Detroit Lions Fan Ever that acquired attacked by DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf” earlier than revealing his personal title and particulars concerning the incident.
“What, my full title isn’t is DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf,” Kennedy said via the Detroit Free Press. “He doesn’t like his authorities title. I referred to as him that after which he grabbed me and ripped my shirt. I’m somewhat shocked. Like everybody’s speaking to me. I’m somewhat rattled, however I simply need the Lions to win, child.”
The CBS Sports dwell broadcast confirmed Metcalf speaking to Kennedy, who was sporting a blue wig, holding a yellow jersey and hanging over a railing earlier than showing to throw a punch with a closed proper fist and strolling away, with Kennedy throwing his palms up after showing to be struck by Metcalf.
“[Metcalf] came over because the fan in the stands was holding a ‘For Pittsburgh’ jersey,” stated CBS Sports sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson of the incident. “He went over and the fan said something to him, obviously. Metcalf did not like what he said and you saw the swipe there. No Steelers came over to him and mentioned anything.”
The incident came about after the Steelers’ offense struggled early, totaling simply 68 yards on their first 4 possessions. Metcalf was held to only one catch within the first half, having re-entered the sport on Pittsburgh’s ensuing offensive possession after the incident with the fan.
The NFL beforehand launched an announcement concerning the incident claiming it could not intervene for an ejection.
“There was no flag on the field, so New York cannot weigh in with regard to a potential disqualification,” the league stated through the Detroit Free Press.