A heated sideline confrontation at Ford Field has now erupted into a courtroom battle, as a Detroit Lions supporter files a Lions fan $100m defamation lawsuit against Metcalf and several high-profile figures.
Ryan Kennedy lodged the lawsuit Tuesday in Wayne County Circuit Court, seeking $100 million in damages. The complaint alleges Kennedy continues to suffer physical effects from a Dec. 21 altercation with Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf — and claims he endured severe reputational and economic harm after being falsely accused of using a racial slur during the incident.
The Altercation at Ford Field
The confrontation unfolded during a game between the Lions and Steelers. According to the lawsuit, Kennedy leaned over the first-row railing near Pittsburgh’s sideline when he and Metcalf exchanged words.
Metcalf allegedly grabbed Kennedy by the shirt and swung upward toward him. The moment, captured on video and replayed widely, ignited a firestorm beyond the field.
Allegations Amplified on Podcast
The lawsuit names not only Metcalf but also former NFL wide receiver Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson and Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe. It further includes Sharpe’s company, Shay Shay Media, All Time Sports — the platform hosting their “Nightcap” podcast — and Ford Field itself.
On the day following the game, Johnson told podcast listeners that Kennedy had directed a racial slur at Metcalf.
“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 categorically denies using the slur. The complaint asserts that Johnson stated he “heard it directly from DK,” identifying Metcalf — referred to in the filing by his full legal name, DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf — as the source of the allegation.
