Tomlin reveals whether or not he supports D.K. Metcalf after fan incident
The Steelers head coach spoke about the moment of tension between a fan and Metcalf.
A viral moment from All-Pro wide receiver DK Metcalf of the Pittsburgh Steelers has taken the internet by storm. What began as a sideline interaction during the second quarter of the 29-24 victory over the Detroit Lions quickly became the centre of an NFL review after Metcalf confronted a fan seated near the Steelers’ bench.
Video footage from the game showed Metcalf approaching a spectator wearing a distinctive blue wig and leaning over the barrier. After what appeared to be a brief exchange of words, Metcalf grabbed the fan’s shirt and threw a swing in his direction before walking back toward his team’s huddle.
Because the officials on the field were not aware of the incident in real time, no penalty was called and the play continued without ejection.
The fan involved in the DK Metcalf incident has issued a statement through his attorney, denying accusations that he used racial slurs or misogynistic language.
— Preme Football (@premefootball) December 22, 2025
Footage obtained by Preme Sports appears to back him up. In the video, Kennedy is only heard saying Metcalf’s full… pic.twitter.com/VL4yYJ76i1
“I certainly don’t condone the behaviour, but I support DK”
In the aftermath, the NFL reviewed the footage and announced that Metcalf will be suspended for two games without pay under the league’s rules against physical contact with spectators. The decision will sideline him for crucial late-season contests, including one where the Steelers could clinch the AFC North. Metcalf has the right to appeal the suspension.
Speaking to reports during the week, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said: “He did explain to me why he did what he did, and I certainly don’t condone the behaviour, but I support DK. And I really don’t have a lot to add other than what I just told you.”
“I think he has a hearing this afternoon," he added, “an appeals hearing, and I certainly don’t want to weigh in prior to that, and certainly I’ve heard more recently that there might be legal ramifications, and so I better be careful about what I say and how I say it. I’m sure you guys got a lot of questions. I understand that, but that’s just a posture I’m in as I sit here today with so many components of this thing yet to be resolved.”
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The fan involved, identified as Ryan Kennedy of Michigan, has denied allegations aired on social media that he used a racial slur or made other offensive remarks during the interaction. Kennedy’s legal representatives have rejected those claims, saying he was merely attempting to get Metcalf’s attention by calling him by his full given name.
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