Ryan Kennedy, the longtime Detroit Lions fan that was involved in a recent altercation with Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf, held a press conference on Friday and denied using any racial slurs or hate speech during the incident.
“I didn’t use any racial slurs, no hate speech, none of that stuff at the game,” Kennedy said.
TOP NEWS
Kennedy claims he called Metcalf by his government name, DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf, prompting the WR to grab Kennedy’s wig before swinging at his face.
“Being falsely branded as a racist is one of the most damaging accusations that a private citizen can endure,” his lawyer, Shawn Head, read during the press conference. “It’s dangerous and causes very real consequences and very real damage.”
Both Kennedy and Head asked Metcalf to publicly state that Kennedy did not use a racial slur or hate speech during the confrontation. Head also stated that they will “use any legal remedies available to protect Ryan Kennedy and his family.”
Despite multiple videos that captured the incident up close, it is still unclear what Kennedy actually said to provoke such a hostile reaction.
Ultimately, the NFL suspended Metcalf for the final two games of the regular season for violating league policy.
James Parker is a sports writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
