DK Metcalf throws punch in altercation with Lions fan, not ejected
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DK Metcalf threw a punch at a Lions fan during Sunday afternoon’s game in Detroit, but the Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver and former Ole Miss star was not ejected from the contest.
The unfortunate incident occurred during the 1st half, and it started off very innocently. Metcalf seemed to be just interacting with a fan before things quickly got heated. He seemed to grab at the fan’s blue wig before throwing a closed-fist punch at the fan. It was not known at the time whether Metcalf missed with the punch or connected, but the Lions fan did remain standing, which would have been unlikely had Metcalf fully connected with the punch.
The CBS cameras were able to catch the incident, and CBS sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson provided some clarity during the broadcast regarding the punch, which could result in a suspension of Metcalf when the league takes a further look at it.
I was watching it, and (Metcalf) came over because the fan in the stands was holding a (No. 4) Pittsburgh jersey,” Wolfson said. “(Metcalf) went over and the fan said something to him. Obviously, Metcalf didn’t like what he said, and you saw the swipe there. No Steelers came over to him and mentioned anything.
While Metcalf wasn’t ejected, there is that possibility of the NFL punishing Metcalf, who played at Ole Miss from 2016-18.
“We’ll see if the league takes action,” Wolfson said.
The Metcalf matter will likely spill over into Monday, if the league does decide to take a further look.
Meanwhile, it was a major distraction on Sunday as the Steelers and Lions were locked in a tight game that’s crucial to both teams’ playoff chances.
Cory Nightingale, a former sportswriter and sports editor at the Miami Herald and Palm Beach Post, is a South Florida-based freelance writer who covers Alabama for SaturdayDownSouth.com.
