DK Metcalf Sued for $100 Million by Lions Fan in Defamation Lawsuit Over Sideline Clash
Feb. 4, 2026 — Detroit
Ryan Kennedy, a Detroit Lions fan and attorney, filed a $100 million defamation lawsuit in Wayne County Circuit Court against Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf, alleging the player falsely accused him of using a racial slur during a sideline altercation at Ford Field on Dec. 21, 2025. The suit seeks damages for reputational harm amplified by media figures and entities.
Kennedy announced the filing at a press conference on Feb. 4 with his attorney, Jon Marko of Marko Law. “DK Metcalf sued” became a focal point as the case names multiple defendants, including Chad Johnson, Shay Shay Media LLC (Shannon Sharpe’s company), All Time Sports LLC (“Nightcap” podcast host), Pittsburgh Steelers, and Ford Field Management LLC.
Incident Background
The altercation occurred during the second quarter of the Lions-Steelers game. Kennedy, seated in the first row, leaned over the railing near the Steelers’ sideline and exchanged words with Metcalf, reportedly addressing him by his full name, DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf. Video showed Metcalf grabbing Kennedy by the shirt and swinging at him, leading to a two-game NFL suspension for Metcalf, which he did not appeal successfully, per The Athletic.
Metcalf alleged Kennedy used the N-word and a misogynistic slur referring to Metcalf’s mother, claims Kennedy denies. The NFL reviewed the incident, but the Detroit Lions’ Ejections & Incident Review Committee found no evidence supporting the allegations, according to a Dec. 24, 2025, letter to Kennedy reported by FOX 2 Detroit.
Lawsuit Claims
The complaint includes nine counts, with two defamation claims against Metcalf for providing false information to Johnson, who repeated the accusations on the Dec. 22 “Nightcap” podcast hosted by Sharpe’s company, per Detroit Free Press. Johnson stated he “heard it directly from DK,” validating the slur claims.
Ford Field Management faces a negligence count for inadequate barriers and security protocols allowing player-fan contact. Kennedy alleges the statements caused economic harm, threats, and damage to his family business, as detailed in CBS Sports.
“DK Metcalf sued” highlights the case’s prominence, with Kennedy seeking public retractions alongside damages.
Key Quotes
“The N-Word is the most offensive and inflammatory racial slur in the English language… Falsely accusing someone of using that word hurts not only the person falsely accused, but hurts every true victim of racial hatred and bigotry.”
— Jon Marko, Kennedy’s attorney, in a statement to The Athletic
“I respect the NFL, its players and fans of all races and cultures and I would never use or publicly shout racial slurs… What’s been said about me… has caused serious damage to my family business, reputation and it has put my personal safety at risk.”
— Ryan Kennedy, at Feb. 4 press conference, via FOX 2 Detroit
Metcalf’s agent and the Lions did not respond to comment requests. The suit, filed Feb. 3, underscores ongoing scrutiny of fan-player interactions.
