Former NFL tight end Shannon Sharpe is criticizing the Detroit Lions over their handling of a controversial fan incident involving Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf, according to a recent Fox Sports report.

The situation stems from an altercation during a game between the Lions and Steelers, in which Metcalf appeared to take a swing at a Lions fan. The incident has continued to generate headlines more than a week later, reigniting debate over fan conduct at NFL games and how teams enforce stadium policies.

DK Metcalf, Lions Fan Give Conflicting Accounts

Metcalf alleges that Lions fan Ryan Kennedy directed vulgar language and slurs toward him and his mother. Kennedy has denied those claims, stating that he only called Metcalf by his full name. Despite the conflicting accounts, the situation escalated and resulted in Metcalf receiving a two-game suspension.

That suspension carried major financial implications, as it could have led to Metcalf forfeiting $45 million in guaranteed money. However, the Steelers ultimately chose not to void his guarantees.

Shannon Sharpe Questions Lions’ Response

Sharpe and former NFL wide receiver Chad Ochocinco addressed the controversy during a recent podcast. Sharpe pointed to what he sees as inconsistent discipline by the Lions, referencing a prior incident last season in which a Lions season-ticket holder had a verbal confrontation with Green Bay Packers head coach Matt LaFleur.

In that case, the Lions quickly revoked the fan’s season tickets.

“This is their fan, this is one of their ticket holders—why wouldn’t they do that?” Sharpe said. “This could have been removed. When the fan had an altercation with Matt LaFleur last year, they took his tickets immediately.”

Sharpe questioned why similar action was not taken against Kennedy based on Metcalf’s account.

Prior Complaints Raise More Questions

Reports indicate that Metcalf had issues with the same Lions fan dating back to last season, when he was still with the Seattle Seahawks. During a game in Detroit, Metcalf reportedly notified stadium security about the fan’s behavior.

According to NFL insider Jay Glazer, Metcalf followed proper protocol by reporting the incident to security, who then escalated the matter to the Lions organization.

“DK did everything he’s supposed to do,” Sharpe said. “The NFL is going to want to know why the Lions didn’t do anything.”

Sharpe added that the league could investigate why the fan was allowed back into the stadium if prior complaints had been corroborated.

Jay Glazer Confirms Security Communication

During FOX’s NFL pregame show, Glazer revealed that he has access to security communications between the Lions and Seahawks from the prior incident. According to Glazer, Metcalf specifically asked for the fan to be removed due to derogatory comments.

Fans seated nearby reportedly corroborated Metcalf’s claims, and even requested that the individual be removed.

“When we investigated during the game, the individuals around him stated and corroborated that the fan was being out of line and had indeed said these derogatory statements,” Glazer reported.

Glazer also noted that the Pittsburgh Steelers had no prior knowledge of the earlier incident, raising further questions about how the situation was handled internally.

Ochocinco Weighs In on Fan Conduct

Ochocinco also shared his perspective, noting that while trash talk is part of the game, some fans cross lines when they believe players can’t respond.

“I love hostile environments,” Ochocinco said. “But some fans think they’re invisible because they’re in the stands. That’s where the problem starts.”

NFL, Lions Face Increased Scrutiny

As more details emerge, the Detroit Lions’ handling of fan behavior is now under increased scrutiny from both former players and league insiders. With documented complaints and corroborating accounts, the incident could prompt further discussion between the NFL and the Lions organization about stadium security and accountability moving forward.