NFL athlete DK Metcalf has been handed a suspension for the remainder of the season following an incident with a fan.
The wide receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers became embroiled in a dispute with a fan supporting the Detroit Lions during a match on December 21.
Footage captured by CBS cameras shows the 28-year-old engaging physically with the spectator by grabbing their shirt and slapping them after the fan appeared to provoke him from the stands.
The event took place in the first half of the match between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions, where the Steelers ultimately emerged victorious with a 29-24 scoreline.
The fan involved in the incident, Ryan Kennedy from Pinckney, Michigan, has provided his account to the Detroit Free Press.
Ryan stated that the conflict arose when he addressed DK using his full name, DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf.
“He doesn’t like his government name,” Ryan told the media outlet. “I called him that, and then he grabbed me and ripped my shirt. I’m a little shocked. Like everyone’s talking to me. I’m a little rattled, but I just want the Lions to win, baby.”
Conversely, DK alleged that Ryan had used several offensive words during the exchange.
Ryan refuted these claims in a statement released through his legal representative.
Due to the incident, which the NFL has categorized as ‘conduct detrimental’ to the team, DK faces a two-game suspension, resulting in the forfeiture of at least $45 million in future guaranteed earnings.
In March 2025, DK inked a four-year deal worth $132 million. As reported by CBS Sports, the contract specifies that if he ‘fails… to practice or play with the Club for any reason’, including ‘Player’s suspension by the NFL or Club for Conduct Detrimental’, his guarantees ‘will be NULL AND VOID’.
According to CBS reports, DK intends to contest the suspension, which will be reviewed by the sport’s Commissioner, Roger Goodell, or an appointed representative.
Prior to the confrontation, DK’s $25 million salary for 2026 was fully secured. However, if his appeal is unsuccessful and the suspension is upheld, even for a single game, his contractual guarantees will become void.
CBS Sports notes that the Pittsburgh Steelers are unlikely to release DK before the 2026 season. He is considered the team’s ‘top receiver’ and is a critical asset. Nonetheless, if the suspension concludes his season, it will mark his least successful year in professional football.
This might not be the first encounter the wide receiver has had with Ryan.
Steelers WR DK Metcalf had a history with the Lions fan he confronted Sunday — Metcalf reported the same fan to Seahawks security last season while playing for Seattle, sources say.
The NFL is reviewing the incident for potential discipline.pic.twitter.com/ZYbAGdOWub
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 22, 2025
An X post from NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero suggests that DK previously reported the fan to security while he was playing for the Seattle Seahawks.