DK Metcalf not only tried to quiet the Detroit Lions' defense when his team, the Pittsburgh Steelers, visited Ford Field yesterday. He tried to quiet the crowd, too.
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Late in the first half, Metcalf started talking to a Lions fan in a bright blue wig in the stands. As the conversation escalated, witnesses saw Metcalf apparently land his right fist on the fan's face.
Jim Nantz Was Shocked by DK Metcalf's Actions
The incident occurred right before the two-minute warning in the first half. The game was tied at 3, with both offenses frustrated by their inability to reach the end zone.
The fan had been hanging from the first-row railing, appearing to engage with Metcalf when the incident unfolded.
"He came over because the fan in the stands was holding a '4' Pittsburgh jersey, he went over, and the fan said something to him," said CBS sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson during the game. "Obviously, Metcalf did not like what he said, and you saw the swipe there. No Steelers came over to him and mentioned anything."
"That's not going to have great consequences for the Steelers and Metcalf," said CBS Sports commentator Jim Nantz at the time of the incident. "You just have to block out the noise."
The fan was not thrown out, and no flag was thrown by the referees, meaning the NFL couldn't weigh in on a disqualification, allowing Metcalf to stay in the game. He had four catches for 42 yards in the game.
The Fan Was Shocked by What Happened
ESPN reported that the fan, Ryan Kennedy of Pinckney, Michigan, called Metcalf by his full name, DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf. This prompted the Steeler to respond.
"I called him that, and then he grabbed me and ripped my shirt," said the fan. "I'm a little shocked. Like everyone's talking to me. I'm a little rattled, but I just want the Lions to win, baby."
Following the incident and the Steelers' controversial win, Metcalf did not take questions from reporters. The game ended with a Lions touchdown negated by an offensive pass interference call on Amon-Ra St. Brown.
When asked about Metcalf's actions, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said, "I heard about it, but I hadn't seen it, and I hadn't had an opportunity to talk to DK, and so I have no comment."
You can watch the altercation below.
