A Detroit Lions fan at the centre of a high-profile altercation with Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf has publicly denied using racial slurs, claiming the false accusations have led to death threats and targeted attacks on his business.
Press Conference Marred by Technical Issues
Ryan Kennedy held a press conference on Friday afternoon with his legal team in an effort to clear his name. The event was plagued by technical problems, with speakers being muted at times. Kennedy, who wore a backwards Lions hat, stated that his family had received death threats and his business had been bombarded with negative reviews as a direct result of the rumours spreading on social media.
The incident occurred during a game on Sunday, leading to Metcalf being suspended for two games after the 28-year-old star appeared to try and strike the fan. This suspension will cause the receiver to miss the remainder of the regular season.
Legal Action Considered Amidst Denials
Kennedy and his lawyer, Shawn Head, were unequivocal in their denial. "Being falsely branded as a racist is one of the most damaging accusations that a private citizen can endure," Head stated. "It's dangerous and causes very real consequences and very real damage."
Kennedy himself asserted: "I want to be crystal clear about one thing — I didn't use any racial slurs, no hate speech, none of that stuff at the game." His legal team confirmed they are evaluating all options and considering legal action to protect Kennedy and his family.
They have publicly called on Metcalf to clarify that no racial slurs were uttered. Head revealed that attorneys had reached out to Metcalf's camp but had not received a response. "(Metcalf) can come out and tell the truth and indicate that he never heard any racial slur uttered by Mr. Kennedy," Head said.
Source of the Rumours and Contract Implications
The rumours appear to have originated, in part, from comments made by former NFL star Chad 'Ochocinco' Johnson. On his 'Nightcap' podcast, Johnson said he 'got word' that Kennedy used the 'n-word' and also insulted Metcalf's mother. Video footage of the confrontation does not clearly reveal what was said.
Kennedy told the Detroit Free Press that the dispute began because he repeatedly called Metcalf by his 'government name', DeKaylin, which he claims bothered the player. Head explained that Kennedy used Metcalf's full first name while asking him to sign a jersey.
In a direct appeal during the press conference, Kennedy said: "DeKaylin, if you're watching this, man, just, if you could just say that [he didn't use a racial slur] please, like, my family is getting threats and stuff and it's not cool."
The two-game suspension handed to Metcalf carries significant financial weight, voiding $45 million in guaranteed money from the five-year, $150 million contract he signed with Pittsburgh this year. It was also revealed that Metcalf had previously reported Kennedy's behaviour during a game last season when he played for the Seattle Seahawks, though Head stated an investigation found no conduct violation by Kennedy.
