Pittsburgh Steelers' DK Metcalf has been suspended for two games over an ugly incident with a Detroit Lions fan in the stands during a game on Monday (AEDT).
Metcalf was caught on camera throwing a punch at a fan leaning over the barricade during his team's clash with Detroit, the Steelers star seen having words with fan Ryan Kennedy, before he threw the punch.
The NFL handed the Steelers player the two-game ban, meaning Metcalf will miss the rest of the regular season.
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The fan at the centre of an ugly altercation with the Pittsburgh receiver was accused of shouting racial slurs at Metcalf, but has "categorically denied" using derogatory language towards the player.
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Kennedy released a statement through a Michigan law firm stating that at no time did he use "racial slurs or hate speech" of any kind.
"At no point before, during or after the incident did Mr Kennedy use racial slurs or hate speech of any kind," the statement read.
"The claims suggesting otherwise are untrue and are not supported by video evidence, eyewitness accounts, or any contemporaneous reporting. Despite reports in the media last night and today, Mr Kennedy has not used such language during an interaction with Mr Metcalf or any other players in the past.
"Since these false statements began circulating publicity, Mr Kennedy has been subjected to harassment, threats, and messages advocating violence, creating serious concern for his and his family's personal safety and well-being.
"No private individual should be falsely branded with such accusations or exposed to threats based on misinformation."
When pressed by media, Kennedy said he called Metcalf by his "full government name", and the player shoved him in anger, but podcast host and NFL legend Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson told a different story.
"I got word, obviously, I'm not condoning putting your hands on a fan or punching a fan, but he did call [Metcalf] a racial slur," Johnson told his co-host Shannon Sharpe.
"He called him the N-word, and he did call his mom a c—. I think with those words being exchanged and the fan saying that, that's where the action occurred."
Later in the episode, Johnson revealed that Metcalf himself was his source for the information.
No referee saw the incident on the sidelines, meaning Metcalf was not ejected or flagged for the incident, and he remained in the game.
However, ESPN NFL reporter Adam Schefter confirmed on social media that the NFL is reviewing the incident for potential discipline. That discipline is now a two-game ban.
The Detroit News also reported that local police were seen talking to fans in the area at half time.
"Oh my gosh," CBS commentator and former Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo said upon seeing the replay of the punch.
"Oh my goodness."
CBS broadcaster Jim Nantz added: "That is not going to have good consequences for the Steelers and Metcalf".
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The incident occurred during a timeout in the second quarter.
The fan continued berating the receiver after the incident, and even threw his arms up in celebration.
Metcalf has one catch for five yards despite six targets in the first half against Detroit.
It's an enormous game for both teams' playoff hopes, with both entering with 8-6 records.
CBS sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson reported that he approached the fan because they were holding a replica of his Steelers jersey, despite sporting a blue wig to support the Lions.
Metcalf has been Pittsburgh's leading receiver this season, after being traded from Seattle.
– With Sophie Wisely
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