The NFL suspended Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf two games for his altercation with a spectator during Sunday’s win over the Detroit Lions, the league announced Monday.
Metcalf took a swing at a fan wearing a Lions T-shirt in the stands. He plans to appeal the suspension, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
“Metcalf’s actions violate league policy, which specifies that ‘players may not enter the stands or otherwise confront fans at any time on game day, and … if a player makes unnecessary physical contact with a fan in any way that constitutes unsportsmanlike conduct or presents crowd-control issues and/or risk of injury, he will be held accountable,'” the NFL said in a statement.
The spectator has denied allegations that he used a racial slur before Metcalf approached him. Metcalf has yet to publicly address the incident after not speaking to media postgame.
Metcalf’s suspension would cost him $277,778 in salary per game. The 28-year-old’s contract with Pittsburgh also states that his guarantees “will be null and void” if he “fails … to practice or play with the club for any reason,” according to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones.
If Metcalf’s suspension is upheld, the Steelers could choose to void his remaining guarantees worth $45 million in 2026 and 2027 combined. Metcalf would still be able to earn that money over the next two seasons.
Metcalf signed a four-year, $132-million extension with the Steelers in March after joining the team as part of a trade from the Seattle Seahawks.
The Steelers wide receiver finished the matchup against the Lions with four catches for 42 yards, helping his team claim a 29-24 triumph that moved Pittsburgh closer to the AFC North title. The team is one win away from clinching the division crown.
The Steelers face the Cleveland Browns on Sunday before ending their regular season against the Baltimore Ravens.
