DK Metcalf will not face criminal charges for an altercation with a Lions fan during a game. The Wayne County Prosecutors made this announcement after reviewing the evidence from the incident.
Key points
DK Metcalf won't face criminal charges
Altercation occurred with a Lions fan
Metcalf was suspended for two games
Lions fan filed a lawsuit against Metcalf
Prosecutors reviewed evidence before decision
Mentioned in this story
Ryan Kennedy
DK MetcalfPittsburgh SteelersDetroit Lions
DK Metcalf won't face criminal charges for altercation with Lions fan
"At approximately 5:30 p.m., it is alleged that [Kennedy] left his seat holding a Metcalf jersey to get an autograph. As he approached the front railing of the stands, he said something to Mr. Metcalf. As Mr. Metcalf approached the stands, there was a brief interaction where Mr. Metcalf grabbed his shirt and pushed him back. The fan did not appear to be injured, nor did he seek medical attention at the game," the statement read.
"After an extensive review of all the relevant evidence, the Wayne County Prosecutorâs Office has determined that charges will not issue in this case."
Q&A
What happened between DK Metcalf and the Lions fan?
DK Metcalf had an altercation with Lions fan Ryan Kennedy during a game, where he took a swing at the fan.
Why won't DK Metcalf face criminal charges?
Wayne County Prosecutors decided not to charge Metcalf after reviewing the evidence related to the incident.
What were the consequences for DK Metcalf after the altercation?
Metcalf was suspended for the final two games of the regular season following the altercation.
What legal action did the Lions fan take against DK Metcalf?
Ryan Kennedy filed a lawsuit against DK Metcalf on February 3, following the altercation.
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Metcalf's attorney, Mitch Schuster, provided a statement to ESPN's Adam Schefter following the news:
âThe Wayne County Prosecutorâs Office has declined to bring charges against DeKaylin Metcalf related to the incident involving Ryan Kennedy on December 21, 2025," Schuster said in the statement. "We applaud the decision and are thankful for the hard work and thorough investigation that led to this just result.
âWe are confident that justice will also prevail in the civil claim involving Mr. Kennedy. As Mr. Metcalfâs counterclaim in the civil case makes clear, Mr. Kennedyâs hate-fueled conduct has no place anywhere, and especially not in professional sports.â
While the prosecutors declined to press charges, the civil lawsuit filed by Kennedy remains ongoing.
"I think a reasonable person upon seeing the video would consider that an assault and/or a battery under the criminal law," Kennedy's lawyer, Jonathan R. Marko, told the Free Press. He added that it was "not surprising" the prosecutor wouldn't press charges because it would cost the office "tremendous resources."
Kennedy's lawsuit named Metcalf, the Steelers, former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson, Ford Field management and several media platforms for what he alleges is their role in making "defamatory and life altering statements" about him after the incident.
The Free Press spoke to Kennedy after the incident occurred. At the time, he told the publication he had called Metcalf by his full name, "DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf," which irked the wide receiver.
"He doesnât like his government name," Kennedy said. "I called him that and then he grabbed me and ripped my shirt. Iâm a little shocked. Like everyoneâs talking to me. Iâm a little rattled, but I just want the Lions to win, baby."
The situation took a turn the following day during an episode of the "Nightcap" podcast with Johnson and Shannon Sharpe. Johnson said that Metcalf told him Kennedy had used a racial slur against Metcalf and a misogynistic slur aimed at the wide receiver's mother.
