Lions fan involved in altercation with Steelers star denies using racial slur

The Detroit Lions fan involved in an altercation with Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf Ryan Kennedy held a news conference Friday and said he did not use any racial slur toward Metcalf.

Kennedy said he did not use any racial slurs or hate speech on Sunday, adding that he had never done so in his 15 years as a season-ticket holder.

“It’s really hard to get angry, but there are two things: animal abuse, racism, like it makes me hot right away. I can feel my face getting hot. So I guess I want to make one thing very clear: I didn’t use any racial slurs, any hate speech, any of that in the game,” Kennedy said.

“Actually, never. As a 15-year season ticket holder for the Lions, I’ve never done that at all.”

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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf during a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California on November 9, 2025. (Jevone Moore/Sportswire Icon)

Kennedy said his family had received threats and asked Metcalf to confirm that Kennedy did not use any racial slur toward the Steelers star. Kennedy referred to Metcalf as DeKaylin, his real name, rather than his widely used nickname, DK, at the news conference.

“DeKaylin, if you’re watching this guy, if you could say that, please. My family is getting threats and stuff. It’s not right. So whether you said that or not, I’m sure you didn’t want that to happen to the family, even if you did. I forgive you, man. That’s all I got. Come on Lions,” Kennedy said.

NFL MAINTAINS SUSPENSION FOR STEELERS STAR DK METCALF

DK Metcalf of the Pittsburgh Steelers sits on the bench during the second half against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rey Del Rio)

Metcalf has not spoken publicly about the altercation. The NFL suspended him for two games for throwing a punch at Kennedy. Multiple reports indicated that racial slurs were hurled at him, leading to the altercation.

The News broadcast showed Metcalf grabbing a fan by the shirt and punching him.

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Kennedy told the Detroit Free Press that he was bothering Metcalf by calling him by his full name.

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