Ryan Kennedy Lawsuit 2026, $100 Million Defamation Case Against DK Metcalf, Shannon Sharpe & Chad Johnson—Court Date, Claims & What Happens Next
Detroit Lions season ticket holder Ryan Kennedy filed a $100 million lawsuit on February 3, 2026, against Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf, former NFL players Chad Johnson and Shannon Sharpe’s media company, and Ford Field management. A status conference is scheduled for May 5, 2026, in Wayne County Circuit Court.
Kennedy alleges defamation, assault, battery, and negligence following a December 21, 2025 altercation at Ford Field where Metcalf grabbed and shoved him during the Lions-Steelers game. Here’s what you need to know about the lawsuit claims, defendants, and legal process ahead.
What Is The Ryan Kennedy Lawsuit About?
Kennedy claims he was falsely branded a racist in national media after allegations surfaced that he used racial and derogatory slurs during the December 21, 2025 incident. The lawsuit states Kennedy did not call Metcalf the N-word, did not use a misogynistic term toward Metcalf’s mother, and never used any racial slurs or hate speech whatsoever.
Kennedy maintains he only called Metcalf by his legal first name “DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf,” which irked the wide receiver. Video footage shows Metcalf walking to the stands, grabbing Kennedy’s shirt, and shoving him.
Kennedy claims he has faced death threats, hate mail, and severe damage to his mortgage business reputation as a result of the false allegations.
Who Is Being Sued In The Ryan Kennedy Case?
Kennedy sued DK Metcalf, the Pittsburgh 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.
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 lawsuit alleges Metcalf provided false information to Johnson about what Kennedy allegedly said, thereby instigating and authorizing the publication of defamatory statements.
Ford Field is included for failure to have adequate barriers between fans and players that would have prevented such an incident.
For more information about how defamation cases involving false accusations work and what plaintiffs must prove in court, understanding DK Metcalf Faces Defamation Lawsuit After Lions Fan Altercation: What Ryan Kennedy’s Legal Team Says About False Racism Claims provides context about the legal standards and potential damages.
What Are The Legal Claims In The Lawsuit?
Nine total counts are listed in the lawsuit, including two counts of defamation against Metcalf, Johnson, Shannon Sharpe’s company Shay Shay Media, and one count of negligence against Ford Field.
Kennedy is also suing Metcalf for assault and battery and both the Steelers and Ford Field management for their liability in the incident. The lawsuit alleges Ford Field Management breached its duty by failing to establish or enforce adequate barriers, protocols, or security measures to prevent players from reaching into the stands and making physical contact with patrons.
What Damages Is Ryan Kennedy Seeking?
Kennedy is seeking $100 million in damages plus a full public retraction and correction of defamatory statements from Johnson and Sharpe.
The lawsuit claims compensatory damages for business losses, reputational harm, emotional distress, and the cost of death threats and harassment Kennedy endured. Kennedy runs a mortgage company that allegedly suffered significant damage from the racism accusations.
What You Must Know About This Case
Hidden context: Reports reveal a previous 2024 interaction during a game when Metcalf, then with the Seattle Seahawks, complained to security about Kennedy for making “derogatory remarks” severe enough that he requested Kennedy’s removal from the stadium. Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer reported obtaining security communications confirming Metcalf’s complaint, with witnesses stating Kennedy was “out of line” and had used derogatory language.
Common mistake: Many assume defamation cases require proof of malicious intent. For Kennedy, a private citizen, the legal standard is lower than for public figures—he must only prove the statements were false, published to third parties, caused harm, and were made negligently.
2026 update: The status conference is scheduled for May 5, 2026, in Wayne County Circuit Court. This preliminary hearing will address procedural matters and set timelines for discovery and potential trial dates.
What Happened During The December 21 Altercation?
Kennedy and Metcalf’s altercation took place during the second quarter of the Detroit Lions’ December 21 game against the Steelers. Metcalf was suspended two games for the incident, which saw him take a swipe at Kennedy after a brief conversation between the two.
Video showed Metcalf reaching up and grabbing Kennedy over the railing in a tense altercation. Kennedy was allowed by Ford Field security to continue watching the game after the incident.
What To Do Next If You’re Following This Case
Option 1: Monitor court proceedings. The May 5, 2026 status conference is the next scheduled court appearance. Wayne County Circuit Court records are publicly accessible for case updates.
Option 2: Understand defamation law. Kennedy must prove the statements were false, published to third parties, caused measurable harm, and were made with at least negligence. As a private citizen, he doesn’t need to prove “actual malice” like public figures do.
Option 3: Watch for settlement negotiations. Most high-profile defamation cases settle before trial. Both parties face significant legal costs, public scrutiny, and uncertain outcomes at trial.
Option 4: Follow credible sources. Avoid social media speculation. Check official court filings, established news outlets like Detroit Free Press and USA Today, and verified legal documents for accurate information.
FAQs About The Ryan Kennedy Lawsuit
When is the next court date?
A status conference is scheduled for May 5, 2026, in Wayne County Circuit Court. This is a preliminary hearing to address procedural matters, not a trial.
Can Ryan Kennedy win $100 million?
Defamation verdicts vary widely. Kennedy must prove actual damages to his business, reputation, and emotional wellbeing. The $100 million figure represents what Kennedy is seeking, not what a jury will necessarily award.
What penalties has DK Metcalf already faced?
Metcalf was suspended two games without pay by the NFL. According to prior reporting, Metcalf forfeited approximately $555,000 in salary and potentially millions in voided contract guarantees.
What evidence supports Kennedy’s claims?
Kennedy categorically denies making racist or misogynistic statements, and no video or audio evidence has surfaced publicly supporting the allegations. The lawsuit claims the statements were fabricated.
What evidence contradicts Kennedy’s claims?
Security reports from a 2024 Seahawks-Lions game documented Metcalf’s complaint about Kennedy’s derogatory remarks, with witnesses corroborating that Kennedy was “out of line”. This prior history may undermine Kennedy’s credibility.
Will this case go to trial?
Most defamation cases settle before trial. Both parties face discovery obligations that could expose damaging information. Settlement negotiations often occur after initial court appearances.
How does this compare to other defamation cases?
For context on similar cases involving false racism accusations, high-profile defamation lawsuits like Megan Thee Stallion’s successful claim against blogger Milagro Gramz ($59,000 awarded) and Cardi B’s victory against Tasha K ($4 million awarded) show courts take false public accusations seriously.
Last Updated: February 4, 2026
Disclaimer: This article provides general information about the Ryan Kennedy defamation lawsuit for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
The May 5, 2026 status conference will provide the first court update on this developing case.
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.
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