The incident involving DK Metcalf and a fan at Ford Field has now escalated into a major legal dispute.

Ryan Kennedy, a Michigan resident and longtime Detroit Lions supporter, has filed a lawsuit seeking $100 million in damages following a December 21 confrontation with the Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver. The legal action extends well beyond Metcalf, naming multiple organizations and individuals connected to the aftermath of the incident.

The Ford Field Incident

The altercation took place during the second quarter of the Lions–Steelers matchup when Metcalf reached into the seating area and made contact with Kennedy. The moment spread rapidly online and sparked intense discussion throughout the sports world.

After reviewing the incident, the NFL disciplined Metcalf with a two-game suspension.

What was initially a viral flashpoint has now become the basis of a wide-ranging lawsuit.

Legal Action Filed in Wayne County

Kennedy formally filed the complaint on Tuesday, Feb. 3, in Wayne County Court. Defendants listed in the case include Metcalf, the Pittsburgh Steelers organization, Ford Field operators, former NFL receiver Chad Johnson, Shannon Sharpe’s media company, and several additional parties.

The complaint outlines nine separate claims, including accusations of defamation, physical misconduct, and negligence.

According to the filing, Kennedy argues that statements made after the incident caused lasting harm to his personal reputation and professional life.

Disputed Statements and Podcast Fallout

Tensions escalated further after remarks were made on the Nightcap podcast, hosted by Chad Johnson and Shannon Sharpe. During the episode, Johnson claimed that Metcalf told him the fan had used racial slurs, including offensive comments aimed at both Metcalf and his mother.

Kennedy has repeatedly rejected those accusations.

The lawsuit states that Kennedy did not use racial or hateful language and that the podcast comments were inaccurate, irresponsible, and damaging. His attorneys contend that misleading information attributed to Metcalf led to the widespread circulation of false claims across national media outlets.

Allegations Against Ford Field Management

A notable component of the lawsuit targets Ford Field’s operators.

Kennedy alleges that stadium officials failed to maintain adequate safety measures to prevent players from reaching spectators. The filing argues that improved barriers, security presence, or enforcement of existing policies could have stopped the interaction before it occurred.

Requested Relief

Through the lawsuit, Kennedy is seeking:

$100 million in financial damages

Public corrections and retractions of the statements he says were defamatory

Accountability from all parties involved, including the team, media figures, and stadium management

Kennedy is represented by Detroit-based law firm Marko Law.

The claims outlined in the lawsuit reflect Kennedy’s account of the events, and the court has not yet made any determinations. Even so, the case adds significant legal weight to an episode that already captured national attention.

What started as a brief on-field confrontation has evolved into a complex legal fight, raising broader issues about fan safety, athlete conduct, media responsibility, and stadium security protocols.