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On Friday, Detroit Lions fan Ryan Kennedy, the spectator involved in the on-field altercation with Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf, held a press conference to address the controversy and clear up what he says are damaging and inaccurate claims about his behavior.
Kennedy says that since the incident, he and his family have received threats after suggestions surfaced that he may have used racist language toward Metcalf. On Friday, he firmly denied that allegation and publicly asked Metcalf to clarify what was — and wasn’t — said during the interaction.
“It is really hard to get me upset,” Kennedy said. “But there’s two things — animal abuse and racism — like I get hot right away. I want to be crystal clear about one thing: I didn’t use any racial slurs, no hate speech, none of that stuff at the game. Actually, never. I’ve been a season-ticket holder for 15 years — I’ve never done that.”
Kennedy went on to make a direct appeal to Metcalf — whose legal name is DeKaylin — asking him to publicly confirm that no racial language was used.
“DeKaylin, if you’re watching this… if you could just say that, please. My family is getting threats and it’s not cool,” Kennedy continued. “Whether you said that or not, I’m sure you didn’t want that to happen to my family. And even if you did — I forgive you, man. That’s all I got. Go Lions.”
#Lions fan Ryan Kennedy — involved in the altercation with DK Metcalf — held a presser today saying he did not use any foul language and has received threats since the allegation.
He’s asking “DeKaylin” to take back what he said.
(🎥 @JeremyOttoPxP)
pic.twitter.com/bDsh6SHN8Q https://t.co/IRM0dCXkUX— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 26, 2025
The altercation, caught on camera during the Lions-Steelers matchup, sparked national discussion after Metcalf took a swing toward Kennedy near the stands. The NFL has not yet issued an additional statement regarding the latest developments.
Kennedy says his only goal now is to put the controversy to rest and protect his family from further harassment.
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Don Drysdale
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