NFL news: Steelers’ Mike Tomlin shows support for DK Metcalf
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Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said he supports star wide receiver DK Metcalf, who was suspended two games by the NFL for punching a Detroit Lions fan on Sunday.
Metcalf was seen on the CBS broadcast grabbing a fan by the shirt and swinging it at him. NFL Network reported that the fan made derogatory comments towards the 28-year-old. The fan later denied this claim.
“He explained to me why he did this, and I certainly don’t condone that behavior, but I support DK. And I really don’t have much to add other than what I just told you,” Tomlin said at a news conference Tuesday.
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DK Metcalf of the Pittsburgh Steelers walks off the field after an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions on December 21, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Ryan Sun/AP Photo)
“I think he’s got a hearing this afternoon – an appeal hearing, and I certainly don’t want to weigh in before that, and I’ve certainly heard that there could be legal ramifications more recently, and so I’d better be careful what I say and how I say it. I’m sure you have a lot of questions. I understand that, but that’s a stance I’m in as I sit here today with so many components of this thing that are yet to be resolved.”
Tomlin was asked if the Steelers were ready for “variable narratives.” He said that unfortunately it has become a part of sports today.
STEELERS STAR WILL FACE A BIG MONEY PROBLEM IF HE IS SUSPENDED DUE TO CHANGE OF FANS
DK Metcalf (R) of the Pittsburgh Steelers plays against Rock Ya-Sin of the Detroit Lions during the second half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 21, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
“You know, I think volatile rhetoric is part of our job today, unfortunately,” Tomlin said. “It is. But it’s not just our job — college, you know, youth sports parents… I just think it’s a component of the sport that’s grown and evolved in a big way in recent years, and that’s unfortunate. But really, other than that, I don’t have anything to say on the subject.”
Tomlin declined to provide further details due to the legal ramifications of the incident.
The fan, identified as Ryan Kennedy, denied making the derogatory comments in a statement issued through a law firm in Michigan. Kennedy told Detroit Free Press He was urging Metcalf by calling him by his full name.
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Metcalf is the team’s No. 1 wide receiver with 59 catches for 850 yards and six touchdowns in 15 games this season. Tomlin mentioned Roman Wilson as someone who could step up in Metcalf’s absence.
The Steelers will play the Cleveland Browns (3-12) on Sunday at 1 p.m. and if the Steelers win, they will clinch the AFC North. But they may have to do it without Metcalf.
Ryan Gaydos of Fox News and the Associated Press contributed to this report.
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