Ryan Kennedy is seeking an astronomical payout from DK Metcalf and the Steelers.

The Detroit Lions fan who was punched by Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf during the Dec. 21 game at Ford Field has filed a nine-figure lawsuit.

In the second quarter of the Lions-Steelers game, cameras caught DK Metcalf punching a Lions fan after exchanging some words. The fan was later identified as longtime Lions fan Ryan Kennedy.

Metcalf was subsequently suspended one game for his actions. Former NFL star wideout Chad Johnson claimed that Kennedy called Metcalf a racial slur and said something disrespectful about the star wide receiver’s mother.

More than a month after the incident, Ryan Kennedy has taken legal action against Metcalf and the Steelers.

Per Steve Neavling of the Detroit Metro Times, Kennedy filed a $100 million lawsuit against multiple parties, including DK Metcalf, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson:

“A Livingston County man assaulted during a nationally televised confrontation with Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf at Ford Field in December filed a $100 million defamation lawsuit Tuesday against the star and his team, along with prominent sports media figures and companies.

Ryan Kennedy, a longtime Lions season-ticket holder and mortgage company CEO, filed the suit in Wayne County Circuit Court after he was publicly labeled a racist following the assault. Metcalf claimed Kennedy called him the N-word, according to the suit.

He sued Metcalf, the Steelers, former NFL player Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, Shay Shay Media LLC, All Time Sports LLC (which does business as The Volume), and Ford Field Management LLC…

Kennedy says he received death threats, harassing voicemails, and hate mail, and that his mortgage-lending business suffered reputational and financial harm. The complaint includes a transcript of a threatening voicemail in which the caller refers to him as a “racist” and threatens his business.”

The Steelers went on to win that game 29-24 en route to their first AFC North division title since 2020. The Lions would finish 9-8, missing the postseason for the first time in three years.

 

DK Metcalf Had A Frustrating First Season With Steelers

DK Metcalf (Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images)
The Steelers acquired Metcalf in an offseason blockbuster trade with the Seattle Seahawks. He then signed a four-year extension worth $132 million, becoming the new No. 1 after George Pickens was traded to the Dallas Cowboys.

But Metcalf did not make the impact that the Steelers expected. He caught 59 passes for 850 yards and six touchdowns and averaged just 56.7 yards per game, Metcalf’s lowest since his 2019 rookie year.

Pittsburgh had hoped that Metcalf and Aaron Rodgers would elevate an offense that had been problematic since 2019. But the Steelers needed their defense, dynamic rushing game and special teams to win a weak AFC North, and they were no match for the Houston Texans in the Wild Card Round.

Luka Doncic ‘destroys’ the Mavs on his return. Gets standing ovation and shows love to Mark Cuban

Luka Doncic hits 45 points in his first game in Dallas since being traded to the Los Angeles.

It’s rare for a home crowd to cheer the visiting team, but Luka Doncic’s return to Dallas was no ordinary night.

Just days before February’s trade deadline, the Mavericks shocked the NBA by sending their 26-year-old superstar to the Lakers—a move that outraged fans and sparked backlash toward GM Nico Harrison.

On Wednesday, Doncic played his first game back in Dallas since the trade. The arena was filled with fans in both his old Mavs and new Lakers jerseys, many chanting “Fire Nico” in protest.

Despite the emotion in the air, Doncic delivered a dominant performance, scoring a game-high 45 points to lead the Lakers to a 112-97 win. It was a powerful return for one of the league’s brightest stars—and a night Dallas won’t soon forget

The Mavericks pay tribute to Luka Dončić

While the Mavericks’ decision to trade Luka Doncic remains heavily criticized, they handled his return to Dallas with undeniable grace. The organization made sure his first game back as a Laker was met with respect and appreciation.

Every seat in the arena was draped with a T-shirt reading “Hvala za vse,” which translates from Slovenian to “thank you for everything.” It was a thoughtful nod to Doncic’s heritage and impact on the franchise.

Before tip-off, during the starting lineup announcements, the Mavericks played a tribute video showcasing some of Doncic’s most iconic moments in a Dallas jersey. The emotional gesture clearly resonated—moving Doncic to tears in front of the crowd that once called him their own.

Luka Doncic ‘DESTROYS’ his old team

Luka delivered a dazzling performance against his former team, putting up 45 points on 16-of-28 shooting, including 7-of-10 from beyond the arc. He also added 8 rebounds, 6 assists, and 4 steals in a game that showed exactly why he’s one of the best in the league.


From the opening tip, Doncic was locked in. By halftime, Doncic had racked up 31 points on 11-of-16 shooting in just 19 minutes—marking the 10th time in his career he’s scored 30 or more in a single half.

Though his scoring slowed in the second half, he continued to lead effectively, securing both a Lakers win and an unforgettable showing for the fans in Dallas.