News/Commentary

NFL player suspended for attacking fan he claims used the N-word…’and he did call his mom a c–t’

December 23, 2025 | | Print Article

A Detroit Lions fan is denying using a racial slur after an altercation with Pittsburgh Steelers’ DK Metcalf.

The incident took place on Sunday, with footage of the moment Metcalf confronted the fan quickly going viral. Reactions were split, with some saying the fan deserved it and others believing Metcalf should have kept his cool.

Watch:

Metcalf was suspended without pay for two games “for conduct detrimental to the NFL for initiating a physical confrontation with a fan,” according to ESPN.

Now the fan, Ryan Kennedy, has released a statement through Shawn Head and Sean Murphy of the Head Murphy Law Firm denying using any sort of slur toward the player, which is reportedly what sparked the altercation in the first place.

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“Ryan Kennedy categorically denies using the ‘N-word,’ the ‘C-word,’ or any racial, misogynistic, or hate-based slur during the incident that occurred on December 21, 2025, at Ford Field during the Pittsburgh Steelers-Detroit Lions game,” the statement reads. “These allegations are completely false.”

“At no point before, during, or after the incident did Mr. Kennedy use racial slurs or hate speech of any kind. The claims suggesting otherwise are untrue and are not supported by video evidence, eyewitness accounts, or any contemporaneous reporting. Despite reports in the media last night and today, Mr. Kennedy has not used such language during any interaction with Mr. Metcalf or any other players in the past,” it continues. “Since these false statements began circulating publicly, Mr. Kennedy has been subjected to harassment, threats, and messages advocating violence, creating serious concern for his and his family’s personal safety and well-being. No private individual should be falsely branded with such accusations or exposed to threats based on misinformation.”

Kennedy was not offering any other statement as the matter “will now likely be the subject of formal legal proceedings.”

It was previously reported by former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson, host of the “Nightcap” podcast, that Metcalf was reacting to the use of slurs directed at the player himself and his mother.

“I got word — obviously, I’m not condoning putting your hands on a fan or punching a fan — but he did call him a racial slur,” Johnson explained. “He called him the N-word, and he did call his mom a c–t. I think, with those words being exchanged and the fan saying that, I think that’s where the action occurred. That’s a bad combination [of words] … and it caused DK to react. I’m sure he will have to deal with some type of discipline. You know how the NFL is. No matter what’s said, they want you to be able to control yourself in that situation, but I understand.”

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However, Kennedy previously told the Detroit Free Press that all he had done was use Metcalf’s full name. DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf.

“What, my full name isn’t is DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf,” Kennedy said, the outlet reported. “He doesn’t like his government name. I called him that, and then he grabbed me and ripped my shirt. 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.”

Sierra Marlee
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