The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office will not pursue criminal charges against Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf following a physical encounter with a fan at Ford Field last season. Officials announced the decision on May 1, ending the criminal investigation into the December incident that took place during a game against the Detroit Lions.
According to a statement from prosecutors, the fan, Ryan Kennedy, showed no signs of injury and did not seek medical attention at the stadium. Investigators alleged that Kennedy left his seat and approached the front railing with a Metcalf jersey, hoping to get an autograph. After Kennedy spoke to Metcalf, the receiver reportedly approached the stands, grabbed the fan’s shirt, and pushed him back.
Mitch Schuster, Metcalf’s attorney, released a statement following the announcement. Schuster said the legal team is thankful for the investigation that led to the decision and remains focused on a pending civil case.
While Metcalf is no longer facing criminal prosecution, he is still involved in a civil lawsuit filed by Kennedy. The fan is suing Metcalf and former NFL players Chad Johnson and Shannon Sharpe for defamation. The suit claims the athletes made damaging statements by suggesting Kennedy used racist language during the exchange.
Metcalf has since filed a counterclaim in that civil suit. His attorneys argue that Kennedy’s own conduct was “hate-fueled” and should not be tolerated in professional sports.
The NFL already handed down discipline for the encounter last year, suspending Metcalf for two games without pay. That move was a massive financial hit for the receiver, costing him more than $500,000 in game checks and voiding $45 million in contract guarantees.
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