Lions Fan Sues Metcalf for $100M Over Defamation Claim

A Detroit Lions fan has filed a $100 million lawsuit against Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver D.K. Metcalf, the team, stadium management and media figures, alleging defamation, assault and negligence stemming from an altercation during a December 21 game at Ford Field.

Ryan Kennedy, a longtime Lions season ticket holder and chief executive of a mortgage company, claims in the Wayne County Circuit Court filing that Metcalf falsely accused him of using a racial slur and a misogynistic term about the player's mother. The suit, announced Tuesday by Kennedy's attorneys, also names former NFL receiver Chad Johnson, his co-host Shannon Sharpe, Sharpe's media company and Ford Field Management LLC as defendants. Kennedy seeks damages for reputational harm, including death threats and business losses, along with court-ordered public retractions of the accusations.

The incident occurred during the Steelers' victory over the Lions when Metcalf approached the stands and grabbed Kennedy by the shirt. Kennedy, who was wearing a blue wig and leaning over a barrier, said he had called Metcalf by his first name and asked him to sign a Steelers jersey. Video footage shows Metcalf reaching into...