Steelers WR DK Metcalf won't be charged for incident with Lions fan

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf will not face charges for a Dec. 21 incident involving him and a Detroit Lions fan at Ford Field, the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office announced in a statement on Friday, May 1.

The incident, which occurred in the second quarter of a game between the Lions and the Steelers, involved Metcalf taking a swing at Pinckney, Michigan, native Ryan Kennedy. Metcalf was suspended for two games after the altercation and Kennedy later filed a lawsuit seeking damages from Metcalf, Ford Field and other notable NFL media members.

The prosecutor's office told the Free Press that Detroit police submitted a warrant request on Jan. 21 involving the incident, but didn't confirm who the warrant was for. No charges were filed at the onset of the investigation, and the prosecutor's office has now concluded it will not charge Metcalf after reviewing the evidence.

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"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 Prosecutor’s Office has determined that charges will not issue in this case."

Kennedy sued Metcalf, Ford Field management and former NFL players Chad Johnson and Shannon Sharpe more than a month after the incident for making "defamatory and life-altering statements" against Kennedy. Johnson, in an episode of the "Nightcap" podcast, accused Kennedy of using racial slurs against Metcalf, something that Kennedy has repeatedly denied.

Kennedy's lawyer Jonathan R. Marko of Marko Law said the prosecutor's decision will have "no effect" on the lawsuit.

"I think a reasonable person upon seeing the video would consider that an assault and/or a battery under the criminal law," he 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."

The lawsuit is still ongoing, per Marko.

Representatives for Metcalf did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

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You can reach Christian at cromo@freepress.com.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: DK Metcalf, Steelers WR, won't be charged for incident with Lions fan