Lions fan asks DK Metcalf to clear his name

The Detroit Lions' hopes of making the playoffs are gone. However, the communicative of 1 instrumentality whitethorn conscionable beryllium beginning. Longtime play summons holder Ryan Kennedy recovered himself successful the spotlight aft an incidental with Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf past week astatine Ford Field.

The fan's attorney, Shawn Head, said they were "evaluating each options" portion answering questions from reporters. Head added that helium contacted Metcalf truthful the NFL prima could "correct the inaccurate allegations" that Kennedy utilized radical slurs and inappropriate language, which allegedly led to the Dec. 21 incident. Metcalf, according to Head, has yet to respond.

Kennedy is categorical: "It's hard for maine to get angry, but determination are 2 things; carnal maltreatment and racism, and I get fired up immediately. I tin consciousness it connected my face," Kennedy said, wearing a Lions headdress upside down. "I privation to beryllium perfectly clear: I didn't usage immoderate radical slurs, hatred speech, immoderate of that. If you're watching this, man, conscionable accidental so, please. My household is getting threats and it's not okay. Whether you said it oregon not, I'm definite you didn't privation that to hap to the family. Even if you did, I forgive you. That's each I got. Go Lions."

Real name

During the conference, Kennedy called Metcalf by his existent name, DeKaylin; the usage of that sanction whitethorn person caused conflict. Head clarified that Kennedy asked for an autograph portion holding a Steelers jersey. Metcalf approached him and successful a little exchange, helium caught Kennedy and tried to punch him.

Metcalf, a 28-year-old player, has been suspended for 2 games without pay. Kennedy was interviewed by information and was capable to ticker the remainder of the match. Head added: "Mr Kennedy knows the rules and follows them. What is antithetic is erstwhile a nonrecreational sportsman reacts and physically confronts a fan. It is adjacent worse erstwhile mendacious accusations of racism follow."

Rodgers, the Steelers quarterback, defended his teammate: "A batch of things are ever said. Some are harmless, immoderate are not. I deliberation there's an cognition that if you wage the ticket, you tin accidental immoderate you want. There should beryllium immoderate codification of conduct. Obviously, this was intentional, and I deliberation Kennedy celebrated it successful his ain way."