If the Steelers are going to punch their ticket to they playoffs, they are going to need to do it without DK Metcalf.
The NFL upheld the star wide receiver’s two-game suspension on Tuesday for his altercation with a fan during Sunday’s win over the Detroit Lions at Ford Field.
Metcalf will forfeit $555,556 in salary and will have $45 million in guaranteed money voided. He’ll miss Pittsburgh’s final two games against the Cleveland Browns and the Baltimore Ravens.
Metcalf’s actions violated the NFL’s policy that says, “players may not enter the stands or otherwise confront fans at any time on game day and … if a player makes unnecessary physical contact with a fan in any way that constitutes unsportsmanlike conduct or presents crowd-control issues and/or risk of injury, he will be held accountable.”
Video showed Metcalf engaging with the fan, identified as Ryan Kennedy, grabbing his shirt collar then forecfully letting go. Rumors surfaced on social media that Kennedy used racial slurs and called Metcalf’s mother a derogatory term. Kennedy denied using racist and misogynistic slurs, and told the Detroit Free Press that he used Metcalf’s full name — DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf — which prompted the reaction from the wideout.
“He did explain to me why he did what he did, and I certainly don’t condone the behavior, but I support DK,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin told reporters Tuesday. “And I really don’t have a lot to add other than what I just told you,
ESPN reported Metcalf had issues with the same fan while he played for the Seattle Seahawks and reported him to security in the past.
The Steelers are atop the AFC North with a 9-6 record. They can punch their ticket to the playoffs with a Green Bay Packers win over the Ravens or if Pittsburgh defeats the Browns.