During any professional sporting game, there is often much more going on than the activity on the field of play.

During the game in Detroit on Sunday between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions; Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf was summoned to the stands by a “fan” and an altercation ensued where Metcalf took a swipe at the person.

As a result of that altercation, the NFL has suspended Metcalf for two games without pay – the remainder of the regular season. 

Metcalf intends to appeal the ruling; however, should he fail, the encounter will cost him over $250,000 per game, for a fine of some half million dollars.

The NFL stated that Metcalf violated the league policy –  “players may not enter the stands or otherwise confront fans at any time on game day and…if a player makes unnecessary physical contact with a fan in any way that constitutes unsportsmanlike conduct or presents crowd-control issues and/or risk of injury, he will be held accountable.”

Rumours are abound over what took place between Metcalf and the “fan” – Ryan Kennedy…

…according to former NFL player Chad Ochocinco stated on a podcast that he had spoken with the player and Metcalf stated the “fan” used a racial slur toward Metcalf and insulted his mother’s ancestry.

….the “fan” Ryan Kennedy denies uttering such language; calling the accusations “completely false” and has secured legal counsel.  In a statement issued by the Head Murphy Law Firm, “at At no point before, during or after the incident did Mr. Kennedy use racial slurs or hate speech of any kind,” the statement read. “The claims suggesting otherwise are untrue and not supported by video evidence, eyewitness accounts or any contemporaneous reporting.”

The ”video” shot by CBS during the game showed only Kennedy donned in a blue wig leaning over the railing of the stands and Metcalf making a swipe at the wig.  There was NO audio accompanying the video.

Kennedy who stated he was from Pickney, Michigan claims he has received, “harassment, threats and messages advocating violence” since the incident.  Kennedy further alleges that Metcalf tore his shirt and that he was only calling Metcalf by his name DeKaylin.

…there are also rumours that this is not the first incident involving Kennedy.

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin stated that he was aware of the incident but had not yet spoken with Metcalf about it.