DETROIT – Detroit Lions season ticket holder Ryan Kennedy has filed a defamation lawsuit against Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf, NFL legend Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, and multiple media companies over allegations of a racial slur.
Kennedy, a mortgage company CEO, filed the suit with the Marko Law Firm on Tuesday (Feb. 3) in Wayne County Circuit Court, seeking $100 million for defamation, negligence, and other claims after allegedly being falsely branded as a racist in the national media.
Kennedy’s lawsuit follows false accusations made in the national media that he used racial and derogatory slurs during a Dec. 21, 2025, incident at Ford Field.
Kennedy claims he was assaulted during the Lions vs. Steelers game by Metcalf.
--> Detroit Lions fan denies using racial slurs in altercation with Steelers’ DK Metcalf at Ford Field
During the Week 16 matchup, Metcalf went to the stands and engaged with Kennedy.
Video appeared to show Metcalf tugging at the Kennedys’ blue wig before swinging a closed fist in his direction.
It was unclear whether the punch made contact or merely glanced past, but Metcalf avoided an ejection in the 29-24 victory.
The lawsuit alleges that Johnson, appearing on the widely viewed “Nightcap” podcast co-hosted by Pro Football Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe, falsely claimed Kennedy called Metcalf the “N-word” and referred to Metcalf’s mother using a misogynistic slur.
Kennedy categorically denies those...
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