Lions fan involved in altercation with DK Metcalf expected to share his side of story
DETROIT (FOX 2) - A Lions fan who became the center of attention after DK Metcalf took a swipe at him when the Pittsburgh Steelers visited Ford Field last weekend is expected to join a press conference with his lawyers to set the story straight.
According to a news release from the law firm representing Ryan Kennedy, the press conference is "to address the assault, correct misinformation that has been publicly repeated as fact, and discuss the serious consequences Mr. Kennedy has faced, including threats to his safety."
FOX 2 plans to stream the press conference at 11 a.m. Friday.
'He’s been receiving threats:' Lions fan involved in altercation with DK Metcalf lawyers up
It was a fiery night at Ford Field Sunday as a Lions fan was swung on in the stands by a Pittsburgh Steelers player. That player, DK Metcalf, was suspended for two games, and the fan has lawyered up.
The backstory:
Kennedy, who is a Lions season ticket holder, and Metcalf were part of an exchange during the Lions game on Sunday when the Pittsburgh player approached the fan and grabbed his shirt before trying to punch him. The player was suspended for two games without pay.
Videos of the incident spread on social media soon after the altercation.
According to NFL Network reporter Tom Pelissero, the two parties have a history. Metcalf reported the fan while playing as a member of Seattle's NFL team, informing security after the Lions played the Seahawks in 2024.
Lawyer for fan involved in Metcalf Scuffle speaks
Lions fan and season ticket holder Ryan Kennedy, wearing a blue wig, gets Pittsburgh wide receiver DK Metcalf’s attention by holding up a Steelers jersey. Words were exchanged, then this. Kennedy’s attorney, Shawn Head, says these are the words that were not used in that exchange.
Dig deeper:
It isn't clear what exactly Kennedy said to Metcalf, but rumors and speculation have been spreading online.
Detroit Lions fan involved in altercation with DK Metcalf denies using slurs
DK Metcalf appeared to take a swing at the fan after grabbing his shirt during the Lions-Steelers game on Sunday.
"It’s been widely reported falsely that he made some racial slurs or used some misogynistic slurs. Specifically, he’s being accused of using the n-word and c-word," Kennedy's attorney Shawn Head said. "That is absolutely not true. You’re not going to find a recording of that, you’re not going to have an eyewitness that says that simply did not happen."
Head said Kennedy has been receiving threats and is fearful for his safety after the interaction.
The Source: Previous reporting and a press release from Head Murphy Law were used in this story.