Lions fan seeks more than $100 million in damages from Steelers WR DK Metcalf, others
DETROIT — After getting in an altercation on the sidelines of Ford Field, Detroit Lions fan Ryan Kennedy is officially taking Pittsburgh Steelers receiver DK Metcalf and several others — including Ford Field — to court and seeking an excess of $100 million in damages.
Kennedy, a Lions’ season-ticket holder for 15 years, is suing Metcalf, Chad Ochocinco Johnson, the Steelers, Ford Field management and two media companies for their role in what he called “defamatory and life-altering statements” after Johnson claimed on his YouTube show a physical altercation between Kennedy and Metcalf at Ford Field on Dec. 21 stemmed from Kennedy’s use of racial and derogatory slurs.
The lawsuit lists nine counts total, including two counts of defamation against Metcalf, Johnson, and media companies “Shay Shay Media” and “The Volume,” one count of assault and battery against Metcalf, one count of liability against the Steelers, and one count of negligence, one count of civil conspiracy, and one count of intentional infliction of emotional distress against all defendants, including Ford Field Management.
During the second quarter of a game between the Lions and Steelers, Metcalf approached Kennedy, who was positioned along the railing behind the Steelers’ bench area. Metcalf was caught by the CBS cameras grabbing Kennedy by his shirt before taking a swing at his face. Kennedy alleges in the lawsuit he was physically assaulted by Metcalf, who he claims in the lawsuit grabbed his shirt collar, initiating “the physical contact … without provocation.”
Metcalf remained in the game, a 29-24 Steelers victory, but was subsequently suspended two games by the NFL, ending his regular season.
The lawsuit, filed in Wayne County Circuit Court, alleges Ford Field Management “breached its duty by failing to properly supervise, monitor, and control the conduct of players and team personnel on the field, including Defendant Metcalf.”
In the days that followed, Johnson, during an episode of the “Nightcap” podcast, which he hosts with retired NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe, said Kennedy “called (Metcalf) the N-word, and he did call his mom a (expletive),” accusations Johnson stated he “heard … directly from DK,” according to the lawsuit.
Kennedy denied using racial or derogatory slurs in a press conference Dec. 26 and publicly asked Metcalf to “correct the record.” The lawsuit claims Kennedy “merely called Defendant Metcalf by his full legal name … and engaged in other typical spectator behavior.” During the press conference, Kennedy continued referring to Metcalf by his legal first name, DeKaylin.
"I want to be crystal clear about one thing: I didn't use any racial slurs, no hate speech, none of that stuff,” Kennedy said. “If you’re watching this, man, just if you could just say that, please. Like, my family’s getting threats and stuff, and it’s not cool. So whether you said that or not, I’m sure you didn’t want that to happen to the family. Even if you did, like I forgive you, man. That’s all I got. Go Lions.”
In the lawsuit, it’s alleged Kennedy has been “publicly branded as a racist on a national scale … received numerous threats and harassing communications, including threatening voicemails and hate mail directed to his home and business.” Among other consequences, the lawsuit says Kennedy’s business “has also suffered significant reputational damage and economic harm as a result of the false allegations.” Kennedy did not say Dec. 26 what kind of business he is in.
According to a press release from Kennedy’s legal counsel, Marko Law, Kennedy will hold another in-person press conference 1 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 4.
The Lions declined to comment to The Detroit News. Representatives for Metcalf, Johnson and the Steelers did not respond to requests for comment.
