NFL upholds two-game suspension for Steelers WR DK Metcalf
The Pittsburgh Steelers will be without star wide receiver DK Metcalf for the final games of the regular season after his suspension for violating league policy due to an altercation with a fan in Detroit last Sunday was upheld.
Metcalf will forfeit $555,556 in salary, and it also voids $45 million in future guaranteed money in his contract. The NFL hasn’t finalized a decision about whether the fan, Ryan Kennedy, will face any discipline from the Detroit Lions.
The incident in question occurred during the first half of last Sunday’s game against the Lions as Metcalf was talking to Kennedy as he was leaning over the first-row seating railing. Metcalf was seen walking up and grabbing Kennedy by his shirt collar, then pushing him back into the stands.
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The fan was then seen putting his hands in the air after Metcalf made contact with him, and he had his jersey in his hands during the altercation.
Through a statement released by a Michigan law firm on Monday, Kennedy denied that he used a racial slur, which was speculated on social media.
Head coach Mike Tomlin voiced his support for his star wide receiver.
“He’s been great,” Tomlin said Tuesday via ESPN. “He cares. He works hard. He’s a heck of a guy. He’s a good teammate, and that’s why he’s easy to support.”
Metcalf’s absence is a significant loss as the Steelers are hoping to capture a playoff berth. Pittsburgh leads the AFC North by two games over the Baltimore Ravens, ahead of the last two matchups against the Cleveland Browns in Week 17 and the Ravens in Week 18.
