DK Metcalf Won't Face Criminal Charges For Altercation With NFL Fan
Back in December, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver D.K. Metcalf got into an altercation with Detroit Lions fan Ryan Kennedy during a game. Metcalf grabbed Kennedy and pushed him, causing an immediate controversy over player interactions with fans.
But after months of investigating the incident by authorities in Wayne County, Michigan, prosecutors have formally determined that Metcalf did not commit any criminal acts and will not be charged.
"At approximately 5:30 p.m., it is alleged that [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 Mr. Metcalf. As Mr. Metcalf approached the stands, there was a brief interaction where Mr. Metcalf grabbed his shirt and pushed him back," the prosecutors office said in a statement to the Detroit Free Press, via ESPN. "After an extensive review of all the relevant evidence, the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office has determined that charges will not issue in this case."
But while Metcalf's actions may not have reached the level of a criminal act, the NFL's threshold for punishing a player is significantly lower.
Following the incident, the NFL suspended Metcalf for two games without pay. He lost $500,000 in game checks and voided a whopping $45 million in contract guarantees.
Metcalf isn't entirely out of the woods on the court level yet either. Kennedy is reportedly suing Metcalf and others, including former NFL wide receivers Chad Johnson and Shannon Sharpe, for suggesting that Metcalf's actions were motivated by his alleged use of racist language.
That lawsuit is ongoing.
Metcalf's Side Speaks
However, Metcalf's attorney Mitch Schuster released a statement applauding the prosecutors for declining to press charges and expressing confidence that they will prevail in the civil suit.
"The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office has declined to bring charges against DeKaylin Metcalf related to the incident involving Ryan Kennedy on December 21, 2025. We applaud the decision and are thankful for the hard work and thorough investigation that led to this just result," Schuster said, via ESPN's Adam Schefter. "We are confident that justice will also prevail in the civil claim involving Mr. Kennedy. As Mr. Metcalf's counterclaim in the civil case makes clear, Mr. Kennedy's hate-fueled conduct has no place anywhere, and especially not in professional sports."
Metcalf served his two game suspension in Weeks 17-18. He was back on the field for Pittsburgh in their playoff defeat against the Houston Texans, recording two receptions for 42 yards in the 30-6 loss.
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This story was originally published May 1, 2026 at 2:21 PM.