DETROIT – The Detroit Lions fan assaulted by Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf during a Dec. 21 game publicly denied allegations that he used racial or misogynistic slurs, saying the claims are false and have caused “real damage.”
Ryan Kennedy, sitting beside his attorneys at Head Murphy Law in Farmington Hills, Michigan, spoke to reporters Friday, calling for the record to be corrected and reiterating that he did not use any offensive language toward Metcalf during the incident at Ford Field.
“We’re here today for one reason, to correct the record,” Kennedy’s attorney, Shawn Head, said while reading a statement. “Ryan Kennedy did not use the N-word, Ryan Kennedy did not use the C-word, and he did not use any racial slurs whatsoever at any time. Those claims are absolutely false.”
Head said the allegations “are not supported by any audio or video recordings, any eyewitness statements, or the investigation that was conducted by Ford Field personnel on the date of the incident.”
Kennedy is the fan Metcalf confronted during the second quarter of the Steelers’ 29-24 victory — an altercation that quickly went viral online. Metcalf is accused of reaching into the stands, grabbing Kennedy by the shirt and appearing to hit him -- later drawing league discipline.
NFL officials suspended Metcalf for two games without pay for violating league rules that bar players from confronting spectators, a decision the league upheld after Metcalf appealed.
According to NBC Sports, NFL Media insider Tom Pelissero reported that Metcalf had previously flagged the same fan to Seahawks security during the 2024 season while he was still playing in Seattle.
Pelissero also reported that Metcalf alleged Kennedy directed a derogatory remark toward Metcalf’s mother and then said “something we both know you don’t call a Black man.”
Kennedy has disputed that, saying Metcalf reacted after being addressed by his legal name rather than his commonly used nickname, DK.
“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. Fifteen years season ticket holder for the Lions. I’ve never done that at all.”
“What did happen is this: a professional athlete approached the stands, reached into the stands, grabbed a spectator by his shirt, pulled him downwards and struck him,” his attorney said. “That’s what’s unusual here.”
Head said Ford Field security interviewed Kennedy immediately after the incident and determined that he did not violate the venue’s guest code of conduct. “He was then walked back to his seat and permitted to watch the rest of the game,” Head said.
Following the altercation, former NFL wide receiver Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson also reportedly said a racial slur and profane comments about Metcalf’s mother were used and triggered the confrontation.
Kennedy said that cheering and attempting to get a player’s attention “is commonplace” at sporting events but insisted that the racial allegations are untrue. He said the accusations have led to harassment and threats against him and his family.
“My family’s getting threats and stuff, and it’s not cool,” Kennedy said.
“Being falsely branded as a racist is one of the most damaging accusations that a private citizen can endure,” Head said. “It’s dangerous, and it causes very real consequences and very real damage.”
Kennedy’s legal team said they are considering legal options to protect him and his family.
“DeKaylin, if you’re watching this -- whether you said that or not, I’m sure you didn’t want that to happen to the family,” Kennedy said. “Even if you did, like, I forgive you, man. That’s all I got. Go lions.”