DK Metcalf Cleared of Criminal Charges in Detroit Incident

The assault charges brought by Ryan Kennedy against Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf has been dropped by the Wayne County prosecutor's office.

DK Metcalf Cleared of Criminal Charges in Detroit Incident

DK Metcalf (Image via IMAGO)

In Short
  • DK Metcalf will not face charges for allegedly assaulting a Detroit Lions fan during a game.
  • The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office cited a lack of evidence and no reported injuries to the fan.
  • Metcalf was suspended for the final two games of the season, impacting his contract guarantees.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf will not face any charges for allegedly assaulting a Detroit Lions fan in Week 18 of the 2025-26 NFL season, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office announced on Friday, May 1. Metcalf was suspended for the final two games of the season. The Steelers lost both fixtures and finished the regular season with a 10-7 record.

A Michigan native, Ryan Kennedy, accused Metcalf of pushing him while he tried to get him to sign an autograph. Later, Kennedy filed a lawsuit against the Pro Bowl wide receiver. On January 21, Detroit police submitted a warrant request, but didn’t confirm who the warrant was for.

According to a report published in the Detroit Free Press by Christian Romo, the prosecutor’s office has declined to charge Metcalf after reviewing all the evidence: “After an extensive review of all the relevant evidence, the Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office has determined that charges will not issue in this case.”

“The fan did not appear to be injured, nor did he seek medical attention at the game,” Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy’s office stated via Detroit Free Press.

What happened between DK Metcalf and Ryan Kennedy?

Kennedy, a season ticket holder of the Detroit Lions, attended the Steelers game in Week 18. In the second quarter, Kennedy approached Metcalf while staying in the bleachers. Metcalf grabbed Kennedy’s collar and shoved him back, which was caught on several cameras.

DK Metcalf Cleared of Criminal Charges in Detroit Incident
DK Metcalf (Image via IMAGO)

That being said, none of the cameras managed to capture a clear audio of the altercation. Kennedy held a press conference to announce that he and his family were receiving death threats from unknown people.

I didn’t use ANY racial slurs… DeKaylin, if you’re watching this man, if you could just say that, please. My family is getting THREATS, it’s not cool.

Kennedy said

Later, former NFL tight end Shannon Sharpe and wide receiver Chad Johnson on the Nightcap podcast accused Kennedy of using racial slurs against Metcalf. Shortly after, Kennedy filed a lawsuit against the two former players for trying to defame him for something he never said.

According to DFP and Adam Schefter of ESPN, the charges against Metcalf may have been dropped, but the lawsuit is still active. Mitch Schuster of Meister Seelig & Schuster, Metcalf’s attorney, believes the lawsuit will be resolved quickly.

We are confident that justice will also prevail in the civil claim involving Mr. Kennedy. As Mr. Metcalf’s counterclaim in the civil case makes clear, Mr. Kennedy’s hate-fueled conduct has no place anywhere, and especially not in professional sports.

Metcalf received punishment from the NFL

The NFL banned Metcalf for the final two games of the season, which voided the guarantees on his $33 million APY contract he had signed earlier that year. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers threw his support behind Metcalf.

I think there’s a mindset that you [as a fan] pay for a ticket, you say whatever the hell you want [to the players]. I think there should be some sort of code of conduct [from the NFL]. Obviously, that [the Lions fan name-calling] was intentional, and I think there was some celebration afterward on his part. Obviously, don’t condone what DK did.

Rodgers said

Metcalf played 15 games for the Steelers during his debut season with the AFC North club. He caught 59 passes for 850 yards and scored 6 touchdowns. Metcalf is on a five-year, $150 million contract, set to run until the end of the 2029 season.

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