Charges will not be issued against Pittsburgh Steelers receiver DK Metcalf after the altercation he had with a Detroit Lions fan at Ford Field in December, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office announced.
On Dec. 21, 2025, Metcalf and the fan, Detroit Lions season ticket holder Ryan Kennedy, were seen talking to each other during a game before Metcalf threw his hand toward Kennedy’s face.
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According to the prosecutor’s office, Kennedy left his seat holding a Metcalf jersey to get an autograph. As he approached the front railing of the stands, he said something to Metcalf, leading to the brief interaction.
Kennedy claims he was assaulted by Metcalf and later filed a lawsuit against the Steelers player, as well as NFL legend Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, and multiple media companies over allegations of a racial slur.
Kennedy, a mortgage company CEO, filed the suit with the Marko Law Firm on Feb. 3 in Wayne County Circuit Court, seeking $100 million for defamation, negligence, and other claims after allegedly being falsely branded as a racist in the national media.
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The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office said Kennedy did not appear to be injured and did not need to seek medical attention at the game.
“After an extensive review of all the relevant evidence, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office has determined that charges will not be issued in this case,” the prosecutor’s office said on May 1. “The warrant request is denied.”