DETROIT – Lions fan Ryan Kennedy has filed a defamation lawsuit in Wayne County Circuit Court against Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf, NFL legend Chad Ochocinco Johnson, and several media companies.
The suit follows false accusations that Kennedy used racial and derogatory slurs during a Dec. 21, 2025, incident at Ford Field.
“Ryan Kennedy is not a racist. He’s not a criminal. He’s a victim,” said Jon Marko, a civil rights attorney representing Kennedy.
Kennedy, a season-ticket holder, claims he was physically assaulted by Metcalf during the Lions vs. Steelers game.
Previous coverage -- Detroit Lions fan denies using racial slurs in altercation with Steelers’ DK Metcalf at Ford Field
The lawsuit alleges that Johnson, on the popular “Nightcap” podcast co-hosted by Shannon Sharpe, falsely accused Kennedy of calling Metcalf the “N-word” and using a misogynistic slur against Metcalf’s mother.
Kennedy denies these claims, and no video or audio evidence supports the allegations.
“What’s been said about me on national and international media is false and deeply hurtful. Being publicly labeled a racist based on something I did not say has caused serious damage to my family, business, reputation and has but my personal safety at risk,” Kennedy said. “I filed this lawsuit not out of anger but out of the need to restore the truth and accountability.”
Despite the lack of proof, the false statements were widely republished by major outlets, including ESPN, Yahoo Sports, and USA Today.
The accusations quickly went viral on social media, reaching millions and branding Kennedy as a racist on a national scale.
This led to death threats, hate mail, and significant damage to Kennedy’s business reputation.
The complaint also details that Metcalf physically assaulted Kennedy by grabbing him by the shirt collar and making unwanted physical contact without provocation.
Kennedy’s attorneys sent formal retraction demands to the defendants, but none have publicly corrected or clarified the false narrative, allowing the harm to continue.
During the Wednesday press conference, reporters asked what was said before the altercation. Marko said it was “normal heckling” but would not specify any further.
“The only person that is responsible for Mr. Metcalf assaulting and battering a fan in front of the world is Mr. Metcalf,” Marko said.
Kennedy is seeking damages exceeding $100 million as well as court-ordered public retractions from all defendants to restore his reputation.
He maintains he never used racial slurs or hate speech and has been falsely accused and publicly vilified based on fabricated claims.
Attorney Jon Marko, representing Kennedy, emphasized the severity of the false accusations: “The N-word is the most offensive and inflammatory racial slur in the English language. No other word expresses so much hatred and bigotry. Falsely accusing someone of using that word hurts not only the person falsely accused, but hurts every true victim of racial hatred and bigotry.”
Local 4 reached out to Metcalf’s attorney and Shay Shay Media LLC, but did not hear back.
Ford Field Management said, “The organization does not comment on ongoing legal matters.”