DK Metcalf, Chad Johnson, Shannon Sharpe & The Steelers Hit With Massive $100-Million Lawsuit

Ryan Kennedy is seeking an astronomical payout from DK Metcalf and the Steelers.

The Detroit Lions fan who was punched by Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf during the Dec. 21 game at Ford Field has filed a nine-figure lawsuit.

In the second quarter of the Lions-Steelers game, cameras caught DK Metcalf punching a Lions fan after exchanging some words. The fan was later identified as longtime Lions fan Ryan Kennedy.

Metcalf was subsequently suspended one game for his actions. Former NFL star wideout Chad Johnson claimed that Kennedy called Metcalf a racial slur and said something disrespectful about the star wide receiver’s mother.

More than a month after the incident, Ryan Kennedy has taken legal action against Metcalf and the Steelers.

Per Steve Neavling of the Detroit Metro Times, Kennedy filed a $100 million lawsuit against multiple parties, including DK Metcalf, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson:

“A Livingston County man assaulted during a nationally televised confrontation with Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf at Ford Field in December filed a $100 million defamation lawsuit Tuesday against the star and his team, along with prominent sports media figures and companies.

Ryan Kennedy, a longtime Lions season-ticket holder and mortgage company CEO, filed the suit in Wayne County Circuit Court after he was publicly labeled a racist following the assault. Metcalf claimed Kennedy called him the N-word, according to the suit.

He sued Metcalf, the Steelers, former NFL player Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, Shay Shay Media LLC, All Time Sports LLC (which does business as The Volume), and Ford Field Management LLC…

Kennedy says he received death threats, harassing voicemails, and hate mail, and that his mortgage-lending business suffered reputational and financial harm. The complaint includes a transcript of a threatening voicemail in which the caller refers to him as a “racist” and threatens his business.”

The Steelers went on to win that game 29-24 en route to their first AFC North division title since 2020. The Lions would finish 9-8, missing the postseason for the first time in three years.

More to come.

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DK Metcalf Had A Frustrating First Season With Steelers

DK Metcalf (Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images)
The Steelers acquired Metcalf in an offseason blockbuster trade with the Seattle Seahawks. He then signed a four-year extension worth $132 million, becoming the new No. 1 after George Pickens was traded to the Dallas Cowboys.

But Metcalf did not make the impact that the Steelers expected. He caught 59 passes for 850 yards and six touchdowns and averaged just 56.7 yards per game, Metcalf’s lowest since his 2019 rookie year.

Pittsburgh had hoped that Metcalf and Aaron Rodgers would elevate an offense that had been problematic since 2019. But the Steelers needed their defense, dynamic rushing game and special teams to win a weak AFC North, and they were no match for the Houston Texans in the Wild Card Round.