Pittsburgh Steelers wideout DK Metcalf was suspended for 2 video games following a sideline altercation with a fan during the team’s 29-24 win over the Detroit Lions in Week 16, the league introduced Monday.
As a end result, Metcalf will miss the ultimate two video games of the common season. He appealed the suspension, however it was upheld Tuesday, in response to multiple reports.
“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,'” the league stated in a press release, in half.
The suspension will price Metcalf $277,778 per recreation, or $555,556 in whole wage.
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The upheld suspension additionally raises a significantly extra vital monetary danger. It will void $45 million in future guaranteed money over the following two years, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Metcalf’s present four-year, $132 million contract notes that if he “fails … to practice or play with the Club for any reason,” together with a suspension, his ensures will “be null and void,” in response to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones. Metcalf might nonetheless earn that money over the following two seasons, however it’s now not guaranteed. Metcalf had $25 million of his wage guaranteed subsequent season and $20 million guaranteed in 2027.
Steelers reportedly stay dedicated to Metcalf
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday after Metcalf’s suspension was upheld that “the Steelers have already reaffirmed their commitment to Metcalf for 2026 and beyond.”
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Of course, reaffirming a dedication and a binding contract are two various things. And the Steelers nonetheless have the choice of voiding that beforehand guaranteed money in the event that they’re compelled to half with Metcalf no matter motive.
But Metcalf’s 28 years previous and his his bodily prime, and the Steelers signed him to that contract as a result of they need him on their roster. Per Pelissero’s report, nothing has modified on that entrance.
Pelissero additionally reported Tuesday that neither the NFL nor the Lions will take motion towards the fan as a result of “there was no violation of the fan code of conduct.”
The incident occurred in the second quarter of the competition Sunday at Ford Field. While the Lions’ offense was on the sector, Metcalf approached a fan sitting in the entrance row and sporting a blue wig. After exchanging phrases with the fan, Metcalf appeared to throw a punch at the fan’s head. It was unclear whether or not the punch related.
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While the incident was captured on the printed, it was not seen by officers.
Because of that, Metcalf was not penalized and was not ejected from the competition. He completed the sport with 4 catches and 42 yards on 9 targets.
The contest ended in dramatic trend, as a last-second touchdown by the Lions was taken off the board because of a penalty. Officials wanted to talk for a number of minutes to kind out the scenario, which resulted in the Steelers winning the game.
The fan was ejected from the contest, per the Detroit Free Press. The fan claimed Metcalf threw a punch as a result of the fan taunted the wideout together with his full identify, DeKaylin Zecharius.
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On Monday, nevertheless, sources informed Tom Pelissero of NFL Network that the fan used a derogatory term when taunting Metcalf about his mom. That supply additionally claimed the fan referred to as Metcalf “something we both know you don’t call a Black man.”
Metcalf and the fan reportedly have historical past, because the wideout apparently reported the fan to NFL safety in 2024, when Metcalf was a member of the Seattle Seahawks. The staff traveled to Detroit to play the Lions in Week 4 final season.
The fan’s attorney released a statement Monday calling the allegations towards the fan, Ryan Kennedy, “completely false.”
“Ryan Kennedy categorically denies using the “N-word,” the “C-word,” or any racial, misogynistic, or hate-based slur during the incident that occurred on December 21, 2025 at Ford Field during the Pittsburgh Steelers-Detroit Lions game.
“These allegations are fully false.”
Metcalf did not speak with reporters after the game, leaving the locker room quickly. When asked about the situation after the game, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said he’d heard about the altercation but had not seen it. At the time, Tomlin said he had not talked to Metcalf about the incident and wasn’t going to remark additional.
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During his Tuesday information convention, Tomlin said that although he doesn’t condone Metcalf’s actions, he supports the wide receiver.
Following Sunday’s recreation, the NFL stated it will examine the altercation. The league was anticipated to make a fast resolution on the scenario, which led to Monday’s announcement.
The Steelers enter this week’s contest towards the Browns with a 9-6 file. They at present maintain the lead in the AFC North, which they will safe with a win over Cleveland. That would result in the staff’s third straight postseason look.
In that situation, Metcalf can be eligible to return for Pittsburgh’s first playoff recreation subsequent month.