A Detroit Lions fan allegedly called DK Metcalf a racial slur before the Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver got into a physical altercation with him during a game on Sunday, December 21.
Former Pro Bowler Chad Johnson told cohost Shannon Sharpe on their “Nightcap” podcast on Sunday that he “got word” on what happened between the two during the Steelers’ 29-24 win.
“He did call him a racial slur,” said Johnson, 47. “He called him the n***** word and he did call his mom a c***. And I think with those words being exchanged and the fan saying that, I think that’s where the action occurred, where I think he threw a punch.”
Johnson continued, “I’m not sure if he connected or whatever. I’m not condoning DK touching the fans. You can’t touch the fans. [But] based on what I was told from a reliable source who wears No. 4, that’s what it was.”
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Johnson did not identify the source by name, but Metcalf, 28, wears No. 4 for the Steelers.
The incident occurred during the second quarter of the Steelers vs. Lions game while the CBS broadcast was at a commercial. When the game returned, play-by-play broadcaster Jim Nantz told viewers what happened as the broadcast showed video. He then threw it to sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson, who said she had a view of the altercation.
“I was watching it. [Metcalf] came over because the fan in the stands was holding a 4 Pittsburgh jersey,” Wolfson, 50, explained. “He went over, and the fan said something to him. Obviously, Metcalf did not like what he said, and you saw the swipe there. No Steelers came over and mentioned anything to him. We’ll see if the league takes action.”
The video that CBS ran on the broadcast showed Metcalf and the fan talking for several seconds before Metcalf appeared to throw a punch at him, then turned and walked away.
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The fan, who identified himself as Lions fan Ryan Kennedy, had a different account of what happened, telling the Detroit Free Press that he only referred to Metcalf by his government name, DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf.
“I called him that, and then he grabbed me and ripped my shirt,” Kennedy said. “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.”
After the game, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin met with the media, but said he had not yet seen a replay of the altercation.
“I heard about it, but I hadn’t seen it and I hadn’t had an opportunity to talk to DK, and so I have no comment,” he said.
Because officials did not see the altercation either, Metcalf was not penalized and was allowed to stay in the game. NBC Sports reported Sunday night that the NFL will review the incident and the first-year Steeler could face a fine or suspension.
A source told NBC that precedent for an incident like this would indicate a fine could be in Metcalf’s future, but the league will review the video from all angles, opening him up to harsher punishment.
