DK Metcalf Lawsuit 2026, Lions Fan Ryan Kennedy Files $100M Defamation Case Over Viral Altercation and False Racism Claims
What’s the DK Metcalf lawsuit about? Detroit Lions fan Ryan Kennedy filed a $100 million lawsuit in Wayne County Court on February 3, 2026, against Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf, the Pittsburgh Steelers, Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, Shannon Sharpe’s Shay Shay Media, and Ford Field Management. The lawsuit alleges assault and battery from the December 21, 2025 sideline clash, plus defamation claims stemming from allegedly false statements that Kennedy used racial slurs.
Here’s everything you need to know about this explosive legal battle.
The December 21, 2025 Altercation: What Happened
The Viral Sideline Incident
Video of the December 21, 2025 altercation at Ford Field appeared to show Metcalf walking over to Kennedy and grabbing his shirt before shoving him away. The incident went viral on social media, with millions viewing the confrontation between the Steelers receiver and the Lions season ticket holder.
The NFL suspended Metcalf for the final two regular-season games for his actions in the incident. This two-game suspension cost Metcalf over $500,000 in lost salary.
What Kennedy Says Happened
Kennedy claimed the incident was sparked by him calling Metcalf by his full name—”Dekaylin,” Metcalf’s legal first name. Kennedy maintains he engaged in typical fan jeering but never used racial slurs or hate speech.
Kennedy claimed he addressed Metcalf as Dekaylin, his legal first name. After the incident, he was allowed by Ford Field security to continue watching the game.
The $100 Million Lawsuit: Nine Legal Claims
Assault and Battery Claims
The civil action targets Metcalf, the Steelers, and Ford Field management in connection with the assault. Kennedy alleges Metcalf physically grabbed him without provocation, creating grounds for assault and battery claims.
The lawsuit also claims Ford Field Management failed to provide proper barriers or security measures to prevent players from reaching into the stands.
Defamation Claims: The Core of the Case
Metcalf, Shannon Sharpe, Chad Johnson, and Shay Shay Media were sued for defamation. Johnson said during an episode of the Nightcap podcast that Kennedy provoked Metcalf by using a racial slur, and by using a misogynistic term in reference to Metcalf’s mother.
“The statements were false and reckless,” the lawsuit states. “Plaintiff Kennedy did not call Defendant Metcalf the ‘N-word’; did not call Defendant Metcalf’s mother a ‘c—‘; and did not ever use any racial slurs or hate speech whatsoever”.
The Nightcap Podcast Allegations
Johnson spoke about the situation on the December 22, 2025 Nightcap podcast: “I got word — obviously, I’m not condoning putting your hands on a fan or punching a fan — but he did call him a racial slur. He called him the n-word and he did call his mom a cunt”.
Kennedy is now turning to the courts, going after Metcalf, the Pittsburgh Steelers, ex-NFL wideout Chad Johnson, Shannon Sharpe’s Shay Shay Media, and more, claiming they spread what he calls “defamatory and life-altering” claims about him after the incident.
Similar to the Stefon Diggs Defamation Lawsuit, Truth Behind Christopher Blake Griffith’s Sexual Assault Allegations, this case demonstrates how false accusations can destroy reputations and trigger massive legal battles.
Kennedy’s Damages: Death Threats and Business Harm
Reputational Destruction
Kennedy claims in the lawsuit that he was falsely branded a racist in national media reports, asserting he only addressed the player by his legal first name, “Dekaylin,” and engaged in typical fan jeering. The suit seeks damages for harm to Kennedy’s reputation, including death threats, hate mail and damage to his mortgage business.
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.
Public Retraction Demanded
“Defendants have failed to issue any public retractions or corrections acknowledging that Plaintiff Kennedy never used racial slurs or hate speech,” according to the lawsuit. “Defendant Metcalf, despite being the alleged source of the false and reckless statements, has refused to issue any public statement clarifying that Plaintiff Kennedy did not use racial slurs, thereby perpetuating the defamatory statements”.
Along with the massive damages he’s seeking in the suit, Kennedy wants the defendants to issue a full public retraction and correction of the defamatory statements.
The History Between Kennedy and Metcalf
2024 Incident Raises Questions
Reports reveal a previous interaction during a 2024 game when Metcalf, then with the Seattle Seahawks, complained to security about the same fan for making “derogatory remarks.” Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer reported obtaining security communications between the Lions and Seahawks confirming Metcalf’s complaint, which was severe enough that he requested Kennedy’s removal from the stadium.
Witnesses seated near Kennedy during that earlier incident corroborated that he was “out of line” and had used derogatory language, also calling for his ejection.
This pattern complicates Kennedy’s defamation claims, as defendants could argue Kennedy has a documented history of inappropriate conduct toward Metcalf.
Legal Analysis: Can Kennedy Win?
Defamation Standards for Private Citizens
Kennedy has one major advantage: he’s a private citizen, not a public figure. Unlike NFL players who must prove “actual malice” (knowing falsity or reckless disregard for truth), private citizens only need to prove the statements were false and caused harm.
However, Kennedy must prove:
- The statements about racial slurs were factually false
- The defendants made these statements
- The statements caused measurable harm
- The defendants acted negligently (or with malice for punitive damages)
Credibility Issues
The 2024 incident weakens Kennedy’s case significantly. If witnesses and security documentation show he previously used “derogatory remarks” toward Metcalf, defendants can argue their 2025 statements weren’t baseless.
Attorney Jon Marko, who represents Kennedy, tells TMZ Sports, “The N-word is the most offensive and inflammatory racial slur in the English language. No other word expresses so much hatred and bigotry. Falsely accusing someone of using that word hurts not only the person falsely accused, but hurts every victim of racial hatred and bigotry”.
Similar to the Shannon Sharpe Lawsuit $50 Million Sexual Assault Case By Gabriella Zuniga Update, Settlement Details, Legal Claims, high-profile defamation cases involving media personalities often settle confidentially to avoid prolonged litigation.
What Happens Next
Settlement Negotiations Likely
Most defamation cases settle before trial. Kennedy’s attorneys have made clear they want:
- A public retraction from Metcalf and other defendants
- Financial compensation for damages
- Clearing Kennedy’s name in the media
Metcalf could settle for significantly less than $100 million to avoid discovery, depositions, and a public trial that would keep the incident in headlines.
Discovery Could Expose Both Sides
If the case proceeds, both sides face uncomfortable discovery:
- Kennedy: Must explain the 2024 incident and witness statements about his conduct
- Metcalf: Could be forced to admit he told Johnson the racial slur story without verification
- Johnson/Sharpe: Must reveal their sources and fact-checking procedures
Trial Timeline
If no settlement:
- Spring 2026: Pre-trial motions and discovery requests
- Fall 2026-Spring 2027: Depositions and evidence gathering
- Late 2027: Potential trial date in Wayne County Circuit Court
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a class action lawsuit?
No. This is an individual lawsuit filed by Ryan Kennedy against multiple defendants. Only Kennedy is seeking damages.
Can DK Metcalf face criminal charges?
Assault and battery are crimes, but prosecutors are unlikely to file criminal charges for a brief physical altercation where Kennedy suffered no significant injuries. This is a civil case seeking money damages.
How much could Kennedy actually receive?
The $100 million demand is likely a negotiating tactic. Actual settlement or verdict amounts depend on provable damages (lost business income, therapy costs, reputational harm). Most defamation cases settle for far less than initial demands.
Did Kennedy use racial slurs or not?
Kennedy’s lawyer Jon Marko announced the suit for defamation, negligence and other claims after Kennedy was “branded a racist in national media.” Kennedy vehemently denies the allegations. The lawsuit categorically denies he used any racial slurs. However, witnesses from the 2024 incident reported “derogatory remarks.”
What did Shannon Sharpe say about the case?
Sharpe co-hosted the Nightcap podcast where Johnson made the allegations but is named as a defendant through his company Shay Shay Media LLC. Sharpe has not issued a public statement or retraction as of February 2026.
Can Kennedy still attend Lions games?
Kennedy was allowed to stay at Ford Field after the December 21 incident, suggesting he wasn’t banned. However, his ongoing lawsuit against Ford Field Management could affect his future season ticket status.
When will this case be resolved?
Settlement negotiations typically take 3-6 months. If no settlement, expect a trial in late 2027 at the earliest.
Last Updated: February 4, 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides informational content only and does not constitute legal advice.
This explosive defamation case could reshape how sports media handles athlete-fan incidents. The outcome may determine whether celebrities can make unverified accusations about private citizens without consequences.
Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
Read more about Sarah