Ryan Kennedy, the Lions fan who was punched by Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf last week, is strongly denying claims that he used racial slurs during the altercation and is demanding that Metcalf correct the record.
Kennedy, who previously wore a blue wig at the game, held a press conference Friday without it. Accompanied by his attorneys, he described the events leading up to the incident and firmly rejected Metcalf’s allegation that he had used racial language. Kennedy is calling on the Steelers star to publicly retract the claim, warning that legal action could follow if he does not.
Kennedy said the accusations have led to death threats against him.
“I want to be crystal clear about one thing,” Kennedy said. “I didn’t use any racial slurs, no hate speech, none of that stuff at the game.”
His attorney, Shawn Head, emphasized the seriousness of the allegations.
“Being falsely branded as a racist is one of the most damaging accusations a private citizen can endure,” Head said. “It’s dangerous and causes very real consequences and real damage.”
Head also outlined the potential legal ramifications if Metcalf does not publicly deny the claims.
“The goal here is accountability and to correct the record,” Head said. “False accusations or racial slurs cause real damage and that needs to be corrected. Metcalf can come out and tell the truth and indicate that he never heard any racial slur uttered by Mr. Kennedy. Right now, we’re evaluating all of our options and will use any legal remedies available to protect Ryan Kennedy and his family. We’re not here to litigate this in the media, but to set the record straight.”
According to Head, Metcalf’s representatives have been contacted and asked to issue a statement denying Kennedy used a racial slur, but no response has been received.
Former NFL receiver Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson claimed on his podcast that Kennedy used racial slurs during the incident.
“Obviously, I am not condoning putting your hands on a fan or punching the fan, but he did call him a racial slur, called him the n-word, and he did call his mom a c—t,” Johnson said on his Nightcap podcast.
Kennedy’s lawyer firmly denied those assertions.
“Ryan Kennedy did not use the n-word. Ryan Kennedy did not use the c-word, and he did not use any racial slurs whatsoever, at any time,” Head said. “Those claims are absolutely false. They’re not supported by any audio or video recordings, eyewitness statements, or the investigation conducted by Ford Field personnel on the day of the incident.”
Head added that Metcalf’s allegations have had tangible consequences, including death threats against Kennedy and his family and negative reviews of Kennedy’s personal business.
In his first interview since the incident, Kennedy told the Detroit Free Press that he had only addressed Metcalf by his full name, DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf, which the receiver reportedly found offensive.
“DeKaylin, if you’re watching this, man, just, if you could just say that [he didn’t use a racial slur] please, like, my family is getting threats and stuff and it’s not cool,” Kennedy said. “Whether you said that or not, I’m sure you didn’t want that to happen to the family. Even if you did, I forgive you, man.”
Earlier this week, the NFL suspended Metcalf for the final two games of the regular season for violating the league’s conduct policy. The suspension also nullifies $45 million in guarantees from his five-year, $150 million contract with the Steelers signed earlier this year.