Tag: fan

Detroit Lions fan Ryan Kennedy, center, listens during a press conference while being represented by Head Murphy Law attorney Sean Murphy, left, and Head Murphy Law founder and Managing Member Shawn Head,right, during a press conference at Head Murphy Law in Farmington Hills on Friday, December 26, 2025, while discussing the fan involved in an altercation with Pittsburgh Steelers player DK Metcalf at the Detroit Lions game at Ford Field last Sunday.

Lions fan files $100M lawsuit over DK Metcalf incident

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Detroit Lions fan involved in a December altercation with the Pittsburgh Steelers’ DK Metcalf has filed a $100 million defamation lawsuit against the wide receiver and others.

Ryan Kennedy continues to suffer physically and has experienced “reputational damage and economic harm” since the Dec. 21 incident at Detroit’s Ford Field, according to a suit filed Tuesday in Wayne County (Mich.) Circuit Court.

Kennedy was in the first row behind the Steelers’ bench when he and Metcalf exchanged words before the receiver appeared to reach up, grab Kennedy by the shirt and take a swing at him.

The day after the game, former NFL wideout Chad Johnson said on his “Nightcap” podcast with former NFL tight end Shannon Sharpe that Kennedy had used a racial slur during the confrontation.

“Based on what I was told, from a reliable source, who wears number four that’s what it was — (Kennedy) called (Metcalf) the N-word,” Johnson said, according to the lawsuit.

Kennedy has denied the allegation.

“The N-Word is the most offensive and inflammatory racial slur in the English language. No other word expresses so much hatred and bigotry,” Kennedy’s attorney Jon Marko told The Athletic on Tuesday. “Falsely accusing someone of using that word hurts not only the person falsely accused, but hurts every true victim of racial hatred and bigotry.”

The lawsuit also names Ford Field for failing to protect Kennedy, as well as Sharpe’s company, Shay Shay Media, and All Time Sports, which hosts “Nightcap.”

Marko said Kennedy is seeking damages “as well as court-ordered public retractions from all defendants to clear his name. Mr. Kennedy maintains that he never used any racial slurs or hate speech whatsoever.”

The NFL suspended Metcalf, 28, for two games after the incident. The two-time Pro Bowler returned for the playoffs and had two catches for 42 yards in a 30-6 wild-card loss to the Houston Texans.

–Field Level Media

NFL looks into alleged history; fan denies sparking Metcalf strike with slur

Posted on | by Field Level Media

A fan with a reported history of inciting reactions from DK Metcalf at Ford Field denied through an attorney he used a racial slur that prompted the Pittsburgh Steelers receiver to grab and rip his shirt during Sunday’s game in Detroit.

The NFL is investigating what prompted Metcalf to walk from the Steelers’ bench to the raised seating area and grab Ryan Kennedy before appearing to take a swipe at the fan, who denied through Head Murphy Law Firm on Monday that he used inflammatory language or racial slurs.

“These allegations are completely false,” according to Sean Head and Sean Murphy of Head Murphy Law Firm, who issued a statement Monday.

Multiple outlets reported there is an alleged history with Metcalf and Kennedy, who played at Ford Field while with the Seahawks in 2022, 2023 and 2024. NFL Network and ESPN cited sources in noting Metcalf turned Kennedy in to Seattle’s team security in the past.

But a video from a fan seated to Kennedy’s left facing the field seems to corroborate parts of the fan’s account of the incident, claiming in an interview with the Free Press that he baited the receiver by calling him by his legal name — DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf — and not the racial slurs others claimed to hear.

Lions security did not remove Kennedy from the game.

“Ryan Kennedy categorically denies using the ‘N-word,’ the ‘C-word,’ or any racial, misogynistic, or hate-based slur,” Head Murphy’s statement said.

Former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson said on the “Nightcap” podcast on Sunday night that he was told a combination of racial or inflammatory terms caused Metcalf to react.

“I got word — obviously, I’m not condoning putting your hands on a fan or punching a fan — but he did call him a racial slur,” Johnson said. “He called him the N-word and he did call his mom a c–t. I think, with those words being exchanged and the fan saying that, I think that’s where the action occurred. That’s a bad combination … and it caused DK to react. I’m sure he will have to deal with some type of discipline. You know how the NFL is. No matter what’s said, they want you to be able to control yourself in that situation, but I understand.”

–Field Level Media

Steelers WR DK Metcalf involved in altercation with fan

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf appeared to take a swipe at a fan in the front row at Ford Field during the second quarter of Sunday’s 29-24 win over the Detroit Lions.

Metcalf was spotted talking to the fan, who was sporting a blue wig and hanging over the first-row railing. The two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver grabbed the man by his shirt to move him closer before throwing a right hand toward the fan’s face.

Metcalf did not appear to make much contact with the fan, who threw his hands up in a defensive posture. Metcalf exited the locker room without taking questions from the media.

The Detroit Free Press spoke to the fan, who identified himself as Ryan Kennedy from Pinckney, Mich. He said he called the wideout by his full name: DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf.

“I called him that, and then he grabbed me and ripped my shirt,” Kennedy told the newspaper. “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.”

Officials did not see the incident with the fan and therefore did not issue a flag on Metcalf. He was allowed to continue playing and finished the game with four catches for 42 yards.

The fan was not removed from the game, the Lions told the Detroit Free Press.

The NFL is expected to review the incident for potential discipline, however.

Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin told reporters after the game that he did not see the incident.

“I heard about it but I haven’t seen it,” Tomlin said. “I haven’t had the opportunity to talk to DK, and so I have no comment.”

Metcalf, 28, has 59 catches for 850 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games during his first season with the Steelers. He also has two carries for 12 yards and a score.

A second-round pick of Seattle in the 2019 NFL Draft, Metcalf has 497 catches for 7,174 yards and 54 touchdowns in 112 career games with the Seahawks and Steelers.

–Field Level Media

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson gets ready to take the field during the second half of their game against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Sept. 7, 2025.

NFL not disciplining Ravens’ Lamar Jackson for fan interaction

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The NFL will not discipline Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson for his interaction with a fan during Sunday night’s game in Buffalo.

“The matter has been addressed by the club and there is no further action from the league,” NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said on Thursday.

The Ravens said they are handling the matter internally after Jackson retaliated to a fan touching his helmet, and the helmet of teammate DeAndre Hopkins, by shoving the man in the chest.

“Our player’s safety is of the utmost importance,” said a Ravens official, per ESPN. “We have spoken to Lamar, who understands the impact of the situation, about the incident.

“While we will keep internal matters private, we have implemented additional security protocols — both at home and on the road — to better protect our players and handle negative fan interactions moving forward.”

The Bills fan who made contact with the players’ helmets immediately after the Ravens’ third-quarter touchdown celebration has been banned indefinitely by the NFL from Buffalo’s Highmark Stadium and all other NFL stadiums.

In regard to the incident, Jackson said after the Ravens’ 41-40 loss that his emotions got the best of him. “I’ll learn from that,” the two-time NFL MVP said.

–Field Level Media

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson gets ready to take the field during the second half of their game against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Sept. 7, 2025.

Ravens QB Lamar Jackson retaliates against fan for helmet slap

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson shoved a fan who had slapped him and teammate DeAndre Hopkins on their helmets while they celebrated the wide receiver’s third-quarter touchdown during the Buffalo Bills’ 41-40 victory on Sunday night in Orchard Park, N.Y.

Hopkins, Jackson and teammates were in the end zone and near the front row of Highmark Stadium when the fan, wearing a red Bills jersey, hit Hopkins and then Jackson on the top of their helmets.

Jackson used both hands to push the fan, who fell backward. The fan was ejected from the game, which was the season opener for both teams.

“I seen him slap D-Hop …. and then he slapped me,” Jackson, 28, said at the post-game press conference. “He’s talking, so I just forgot where I was for a little bit. You got to think in those situations, we got security out there, let security handle it. I let my emotion get the best of me. Hopefully, it won’t happen again. I’ll learn from that.”

Hopkins’ TD put the Ravens ahead 34-19 with 1:09 left in the third quarter, but they wasted a 40-25 fourth-quarter advantage and Buffalo kicker Matt Prater made a 32-yard field goal as time expired.

“I’ve never seen our fans do that,” Jackson said of the helmet slapping. “So, I’ll probably do it again when we score a touchdown. It’s not nothing against the fans. I’m just celebrating when my teammates get a touchdown.”

Jackson was 14-for-19 passing for 209 yards and two touchdowns, including the 20-yarder to Hopkins. Jackson had six carries for 70 yards, including a 10-yard TD.

A three-time first-team All-Pro and a four-time Pro Bowl honoree, Jackson was the NFL MVP in 2019 and 2023.

–Field Level Media

Sep 18, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) greets fans after the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Cardinals QB Kyler Murray would ‘shake hand’ of Vegas fan

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Kind Kyler Murray sounds like the forgiving type, even when it comes to being struck in the face by a fan at an opposing stadium.

While Las Vegas police are investigating the incident during Sunday’s game, when a fan struck Murray in the face following the Cardinals’ overtime victory over the Raiders, Murray said he has “no hard feelings.”

“If I see him, I’d shake his hand,” Murray said Wednesday. “It is what it is.

“I don’t know if he didn’t know where he was. It was a pretty live game. Vegas is Vegas.”

Murray was embracing another fan in the front row behind the endzone following the game-winning defensive score. Fan video angles shared via social media appear to show a male in the second row swing his open palm in the direction of Murray and making flush contact with the quarterback’s face.

“The Raiders are aware of the incident and are cooperating with the Las Vegas Metro Police Department on its investigation,” the Raiders said Sunday night.

Murray piloted the furious rally with 16 points in the fourth quarter to help the Cardinals force overtime and even their record at 1-1. But he said shifting focus quickly to the Los Angeles Rams is necessary. Coach Kliff Kingsbury concurred, especially where defensive tackle Aaron Donald is involved.

“Nobody has a plan for that. We just have to make sure he doesn’t wreck the game,” Kingsbury said.

–Field Level Media

Sep 18, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) greets fans after the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Cops investigating fan who allegedly struck Kyler Murray

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Las Vegas police are investigating allegations that a fan struck Arizona quarterback Kyler Murray in the aftermath of the Cardinals’ stunning 29-23 overtime victory over the Raiders on Sunday.

Several social media videos show a fan reaching out with a flat hand and striking Murray in the face as he celebrated the game-winning fumble return touchdown with Cardinals fans in attendance.

“The Raiders are aware of the incident and are cooperating with the Las Vegas Metro Police Department on its investigation,” the Raiders said in a statement to USA Today.

Murray immediately confronted the fan who hit him before removing himself from the area.

The Cardinals forced overtime and the Raiders had the ball when a big hit on Raiders receiver Hunter Renfrow dislodged the ball. The Cardinals’ Byron Murphy Jr. scooped and scored to end the game, setting off the raucous celebration.

Murray threw for 277 yards and a touchdown in guiding the Cardinals to 16 fourth-quarter points to force OT.

–Field Level Media

Nov 14, 2021; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Deatrich Wise (91) reacts after sacking Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (not seen) during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Fan injured in Patriots-Panthers practice scuffle

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A fan was injured Wednesday after players for the Carolina Panthers and New England Patriots got into a fight at a joint practice in Foxboro, Mass.

The scuffle was sparked when Patriots defensive lineman Deatrich Wise Jr. knocked down Panthers star running back Christian McCaffrey, who was already out of bounds. McCaffrey spiked the football at Wise’s feet in response and the ensuing scrum spilled into the stands.

ESPN reported that Wise fell onto a woman, who suffered a swollen foot but refused treatment from the Patriots’ medical staff.

Wise and McCaffrey apologized to the woman and the Patriots reportedly offered her tickets to a game this season.

Wise, 28, was also involved in a tussle at Tuesday’s joint practice session. He was ejected from that workout along with Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard and cornerback Kenny Robinson.

–Field Level Media