Kennedy Speaks Out
Lions fan Ryan Kennedy met with reporters on Friday to discuss his incident with Steelers star DK Metcalf at Ford Field. The press conference appeared to foreshadow a possible lawsuit.
Kennedy, wearing a suit jacket, dress shirt, and a backward Lions hat, spoke briefly between his two lawyers.
“It’s hard to get me upset, but I react strongly to animal abuse and racism,” Kennedy said. “I want to be clear: I never used racial slurs or hate speech at the game. Never in 15 years as a season ticket holder.”
He also addressed Metcalf directly: “If you’re watching this, my family is getting threats. I forgive you. Go Lions.”
Lawyers Call It an Assault
Kennedy’s attorney, Shawn Head, called the interaction an assault. “A professional athlete grabbed Ryan Kennedy by the shirt, pulled him down, and struck him,” Head said.
However, Head said the public accusations of racism caused threats, harassment, and damage to Kennedy’s business.
“Being falsely labeled a racist can be extremely damaging,” Head added. “It has very real consequences.”
Efforts to Correct the Record
Head said his team has reached out to Metcalf’s representatives to correct the record, but has received no response.
“This silence strengthens our potential case,” he explained. “We are evaluating all legal options to protect Ryan Kennedy and his family.”
Lawsuit Likely
The head emphasized that the goal is accountability and correcting false claims. “If Metcalf doesn’t confirm Kennedy’s version, the next step is to let a judge or jury decide,” Head said.
