It was more than just his “government name.”
Former Pro Bowl receiver Chad Johnson said on his “Nightcap” podcast on Sunday night that he “got word” on what set DK Metcalf off in a troubling incident involving a Lions fan during the Steelers’ 32-27 win.
Metcalf was shown on the CBS broadcast swiping at a Lions fan sporting a blue wig in the front row during the second quarter.
It was unclear if Johnson spoke to Metcalf, 28, directly or the details came through an intermediary.
“Obviously I am not condoning putting your hands on a fan or punching the fan but he did call him a racial slur, called him the n-word and he did call his mom a c—t,” said Johnson, who starred in the Bengals for a decade in the early 2000s.
“I think with those words being exchanged and the fan saying that, I think that’s where the action occurred that he, I think he threw a punch I am not sure if he connected or whatever. But he did call him the n-word and he did call his mom a c—t…. That’s a bad combination and it caused DK to react.”
The fan, who told the Detroit Free Press his name was Ryan Kennedy, claimed his verbal taunts were much more tame.
Kennedy, who said his shirt was ripped in the encounter, told the paper that he simply called Metcalf by his government name — DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf.
“A little shocked,” Kennedy told the paper “Like everyone’s talking to me. I’m a little rattled, but I just want the Lions to win, baby.”
Warning: Graphic Language
Johnson and his co-host, Shannon Sharpe, did not believe Kennedy’s version of events, claiming it was far-fetched that just using Metcalf’s government name would set him off.
“I’m like, ‘I am sure a lot of people have call him by his government name,’” Sharpe said. “That’s a strong overreaction…. I didn’t put a whole lot of credence into that. I am sure somebody close by heard what he said. It’s going to come out. “
While Metcalf was allowed to continue to play in the game — pulling in four catches for 42 yards — the NFL is investigating the incident, according to multiple reports.
“I am sure he’ll have to deal with some type of discipline. You know how the NFL is. No matter what is said, they want you to control yourself. In that situation, I understand,” Johnson said of Metcalf, who the Steelers acquired in an offseason trade with the Seahawks.
The Steelers victory, combined with a Ravens loss on Sunday night, gave Pittsburgh a two-game lead in the AFC North with two games remaining.
The Steelers would clinch the division with a win at the Browns on Sunday or a Ravens loss against the Packers.
The two rivals then meet in the season finale.
[Notigroup Newsroom in collaboration with other media outlets, with information from the following sources]
