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Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has publicly backed wide receiver DK Metcalf, even as the NFL has fined the two-time Pro Bowler and suspended him for the final two games of the season.
Incident details
During the Steelers’ 29-24 win over the Detroit Lions, Metcalf struck Lions fan Ryan Kennedy in the second quarter. The league cited the altercation as the reason for the fine and the suspension.
Tomlin’s support
Tomlin said he does not condone the actions that led to Metcalf’s punishment, but he added that Metcalf has his full support.
Tomlin’s stance on the incident
The coach declined to discuss specifics, saying, “I won’t discuss what he and I discussed,” and added, “I think I’ve been pretty clear there.”
Metcalf’s appeal denied
Metcalf appealed to have the suspension reduced, but the league denied the request on Tuesday.
External commentary
Former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson told a podcast that Metcalf claimed Kennedy used a racial slur and verbally disparaged Metcalf’s mother. Kennedy denied the allegations through his attorneys on Monday.
Legal ramifications
Tomlin cited the appeal hearing and “legal ramifications,” though he did not define what those might be. An email to Kennedy’s attorneys was not immediately returned.
In-game protocols
When asked about protocols to mitigate such interactions, Tomlin said, “We certainly may, but I might not be privy to it because my eyes and attention is (on) what’s going on on the field.” He credited the team’s “top-notch security group.”
Volatile rhetoric
Tomlin acknowledged the rise in “volatile rhetoric” in sports at all levels, saying, “Not only (in) our business, (but) college, youth sport parents,” and added, “I think it’s just a component of sport that’s developed and developed in a big way in recent years, and it’s unfortunate.”
Seattle reporting
Reports surfaced that when Metcalf played for Seattle, he had reported Kennedy to team personnel when the Seahawks visited Detroit. Tomlin did not speculate on what teams can do to protect players in such situations.
Steelers’ record and division
The suspension leaves Pittsburgh (9-6) without its top pass catcher as it tries to lock up the division title. The Steelers visit Cleveland on Sunday before wrapping up the season at home against Baltimore.
Potential replacements
Roman Wilson, who has been a healthy scratch the past two weeks as the Steelers have opted to go with experienced veterans Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Adam Thielen, will likely get an opportunity to return to the lineup.
T.J. Watt’s status
Tomlin did not rule out the return of star outside linebacker T.J. Watt, who has missed each of the past two games while recovering from surgery to repair a partially collapsed lung sustained during a dry needling treatment. Watt has been in the team facility lately and is “hopeful” Watt will be cleared to practice.
Upcoming games and division title
The Steelers need to win one of their final two games or have Baltimore lose one of its final two to win a division title for the first time since 2020. The rivals’ second meeting of the season will be at Acrisure Stadium on Jan. 4.
Key Takeaways
- Metcalf is suspended for two games after an altercation with a fan, but Tomlin backs him.
- The league denied Metcalf’s appeal and fined him for the incident.
- The Steelers will play without their top receiver while chasing the division title.
The season’s final stretch will test the Steelers’ depth and resolve as they face Cleveland and Baltimore, with the division title still within reach if they can secure victories or benefit from Baltimore’s slip-ups.
