The Lions fan shoved by DK Metcalf breaks his silence, detailing what sparked the shocking sideline incident and admitting he was left ‘a little rattled.
The Lions fan who DK Metcalf shoved Sunday said he called the Steelers’ star receiver by his full name — DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf — and that his shirt was ripped as a result of the incident that unfolded late in the second quarter.
“A little shocked,” the fan, who told the Detroit Free Press that his name was Ryan Kennedy, said in the interview with the outlet. “Like everyone’s talking to me. I’m a little rattled, but I just want the Lions to win, baby.”
Kennedy initially told the Free Press that his name was the “Biggest Detroit Lions Fan Ever that got attacked by DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf,” according to the outlet.
The incident between Kennedy and Metcalf started when the fan held a Steelers jersey with Metcalf’s number and said something that he didn’t like, according to the CBS broadcast.
The CBS clip showed Metcalf standing up against the stands, and after a few moments, with no other Steelers players in the area, Metcalf lifted his hand and appeared to make contact with Kennedy’s blue wig.
A second clip emerged on social media that showed Metcalf apparently grabbing Kennedy’s shirt.
DK Metcalf appeared to strike a fan during the Steelers’ game against the Lions on Dec. 21.
“He doesn’t like his government name,” Kennedy, who reportedly wasn’t tossed from the game, told the Free Press. “I called him that and then he grabbed me and ripped my shirt.”
Kennedy also told the outlet that “my words don’t matter because it was on camera.”
DK Metcalf reacts on the sideline during the Steelers’ Dec. 21 loss to the Lions.
It remains unclear what exactly led to the incident, but since the altercation didn’t draw a flag from an official, the league couldn’t step in and eject Metcalf, the NFL told the Free Press in a statement.
Metcalf didn’t address reporters postgame.
“I heard about it,” Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters of the incident postgame, according to ESPN, but I hadn’t seen it and I hadn’t had an opportunity to talk to DK and so I have no comment.”
During a chaotic game that ended with a Pittsburgh victory, Metcalf managed just four catches for 42 yards.
The Steelers acquired him from the Seahawks in the offseason, signed him to a four-year, $132 million extension and watched as he collected 808 receiving yards — and six touchdowns — entering Sunday’s game as Aaron Rodgers’ top target.
