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Lions fan involved in altercation with Steelers star denies using racial slurs
By Ryan Canfield
Published December 26, 2025
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 slurs toward Metcalf.
Kennedy said he did not use any racial slurs or hate speech on Sunday, adding he has never done so in his 15 years as a season ticket holder.
"It is really hard to get me upset, but there’s two things — animal abuse, racism — like I get hot, right away. Like, I can feel my face gets all warm. So, I guess I want to be crystal clear about one thing: I didn’t use any racial slurs, no hate speech, none of that stuff at the game," Kennedy said.
"Actually, never. 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, Calif., Nov. 9, 2025. (Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire)
Kennedy said his family had received threats and asked for Metcalf to confirm Kennedy did not use any racial slurs toward the Steelers star. Kennedy referred to Metcalf as DeKaylin, his real name, instead of his widely used nickname, DK, at the news conference.
"DeKaylin, if you’re watching this man, just, if you could just say that, please. My family is getting threats and stuff. It’s not cool. So, whether you said that or not, I’m sure you didn’t want that to happen to the family, even if you did. Like, I forgive you man. That’s all I got. Go Lions," Kennedy said.
NFL UPHOLDS SUSPENSION FOR STEELERS STAR DK METCALF
The Pittsburgh Steelers' DK Metcalf sits on the bench during the second half against the Detroit Lions Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rey Del Rio)
Metcalf has not publicly spoken about the altercation. He was suspended for two games by the NFL for throwing a punch at Kennedy. Multiple reports indicated that racial slurs were hurled at him, which sparked the altercation.
Metcalf was shown by the CBS broadcast grabbing a fan by the shirt and taking a swing at him.
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Kennedy told the Detroit Free Press he was heckling Metcalf by calling him by his full name.
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https://www.foxnews.com/sports/lions-fan-involved-altercation-steelers-star-denies-using-racial-slurs