Off-Field Drama Continues for Steelers and Lions’ Players
Even though the seasons for the Steelers and Lions have wrapped up, the off-field drama is lingering.
Ryan Kennedy, a fan from Detroit, has filed a $100 million lawsuit against Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf, along with a media company linked to Chad Johnson and Shannon Sharpe, citing defamation and negligence, as announced by his attorney on Tuesday.
In addition to defamation, Kennedy is also suing Metcalf for assault and battery. This stems from an incident during a game on December 21 at Ford Field in Detroit, where Metcalf, sporting a blue wig, allegedly swiped at a Lions fan. The management of Ford Field is also reportedly involved in the lawsuit.
Kennedy is seeking damages and wants a public retraction to clear his name, arguing that the media has misrepresented him following accusations that he made racial slurs towards Metcalf.
Kennedy insists he was unfairly characterized as a racist. His lawyer, John Marco, pointed out that there’s no audio or video proof to substantiate the claims of slurs, asserting that the allegations have caused Kennedy both personal and professional harm. During a press conference on December 26, Kennedy denied the accusations and expressed the need to set the record straight.
“Being labeled a racist is one of the most harmful things someone can face,” said lawyer Sean Head, sitting alongside Kennedy, who was wearing a Lions cap backward. “It creates significant consequences and real damage.”
“I didn’t use any racial slurs or hate speech at the game,” Kennedy stated.
Head emphasized the importance of addressing false claims, asserting that racial comments can lead to serious ramifications. He added, “Metcalf could easily come forward to say he never heard any slurs from my client. We are exploring all options and will pursue every legal avenue to protect Ryan Kennedy and his family. We are here to clarify this.”
Head has reached out to Metcalf’s representatives but has yet to receive a response, noting that Kennedy did not use any racial slurs.
The situation intensified when Johnson, a former All-Pro, mentioned on a podcast that Kennedy allegedly called Metcalf’s mother a slur, which both Head and Kennedy dispute.
According to the Detroit Free Press, Kennedy referred to Metcalf by his real name, Decalin Zecharius Metcalf, which apparently made the athlete uncomfortable. However, Head clarified that Kennedy merely used Metcalf’s first name while asking for an autograph on a Steelers jersey.
Reports have also surfaced suggesting a previous interaction between Metcalf and Kennedy, with the wide receiver having alerted Seattle security about Kennedy being a Lions fan during a game last season.
The NFL looked into the incident but found no violations of its conduct rules. Following the December altercation, the league suspended Metcalf for two games for breaching rules, causing him to miss the rest of the regular season. He did, however, play in the Steelers’ wild-card loss to the Ravens, recording two receptions for 42 yards.
