As the Pittsburgh Steelers look to clinch the AFC North division with a win over the Cleveland Browns this weekend, they’ll have to do so without star wide receiver D.K. Metcalf. The former Ole Miss star and Seattle Seahawks pass catcher is currently suspended for the team’s final two games after he punched a fan in the stands.
Ryan Kennedy Denies Calling DK Metcalf Racial Slur: Investigation Backs That Up
Yup, you heard it correctly Metcalf walked over and hit Detroit Lions fan Ryan Kennedy during last week’s Steelers (29-24) road win. Metcalf’s claim is Kennedy called him a racial slur, while Kennedy vehemently denies doing so, saying he only called the physical specimen by his full government name, “DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf”. The league’s investigation hasn’t discovered any evidence that would support Metcalf’s claims. With Kennedy’s legal team expected to speak on next steps in the legal process at a press conference scheduled for Friday, fans are speaking out on the matter.
Fans Chime In On The Matter
As with anything nowadays with sports, politics and entertainment it doesn’t take long for the social media vultures to give their opinions.
“Punched a lottery ticket,” a fan said.
“Dude came to the game with one objective like the guy in Happy Gilmore lol,” another fan said.
“This was a weird way to find out that “Dk” is short for “Jussie,” another fan mentioned.
“It doesn’t matter whose fault it is, at the end of the day Metcalf is a PROFESSIONAL ATHLETE,” another fan quipped.
“It’s a $$ Christmas for him” another fan said.
“DK should pay the guy for being a future OJ Simpson,” a fan spewed.
Metcalf Likely Cost Himself Some Serious Money
The incident not only cost Metcalf two games and a ban from he’s not even allowed at the team’s facility, but it also will cost him over $555K in game checks. Even bigger is Metcalf stands to lose $45 million in future guarantees, which includes his $25 million salary for 2026.
While Metcalf won’t immediately lose the $45M from his pocket (as it wasn’t fully earned yet), the voided guarantees make his contract less secure, giving the Steelers more flexibility to move on from him without major cap hits.
Steelers Focused On Playoff Push
Lost in Metcalf’s drama was the Steelers won making them (9-6) and with the Baltimore Ravens (28-24) homes loss to the New England Patriots on Sunday night the Steelers now hold a two-game lead in the division with two games to play.
The win also extended head coach Mike Tomlin’s NFL record non-losing seasons to begin a career to 19.
Mike Tomlin Supports DK Metcalf
Speaking at his midweek presser, the former Super Bowl-winning coach told reporters this…
“He did explain to me why he did what he did, and I certainly don’t condone the behavior, but I support DK. And I really don’t have a lot to add other than what I just told you.”
At the moment Tomlin has bigger fish to fry, like securing a division title and playoff spot. And then trying to end the franchise’s nearly ten season playoff win drought, as they last won a playoff game in 2016.
