Ryan Kennedy says he wants the record corrected. Appearing Friday alongside his attorneys, the Lions fan who was involved in an on-field altercation with Steelers receiver DK Metcalf denied allegations that he directed a racial slur at the player during last Sunday's game.
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"Being falsely branded as a racist is one of the most damaging accusations that a private citizen can endure," Kennedy's attorney, Shawn Head, said during the press conference. "It's dangerous and causes very real consequences and very real damage."
Kennedy echoed that sentiment.
"I want to be crystal clear about one thing," he said. "I didn't use any racial slurs, no hate speech, none of that stuff at the game."
Head said legal options remain under consideration, though the immediate goal is to address what he called false claims.
"The goal here is accountability and to correct the record," Head said. "These accusations cause real damage, and that needs to be corrected."
The situation escalated earlier this week after former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson, also known as Ochocinco, said on his "Nightcap" podcast that he had been told Kennedy used racial slurs during the exchange. Head flatly denied those claims.
"Ryan Kennedy did not use the n-word. He did not use the c-word. He did not use any racial slurs whatsoever," Head said. "Those claims are not supported by audio, video, eyewitness statements, or the investigation conducted by Ford Field personnel."
Video from a nearby fan does not include audible audio of what was said prior to the incident.
Kennedy and his attorney said the allegations have resulted in threats toward his family and negative online reviews impacting his business. Head said he previously reached out to Metcalf's camp requesting that the receiver clarify he did not hear a racial slur but had not received a response.
Kennedy has said he addressed the receiver by his first name, DeKaylin, and asked for an autograph. He repeated that claim Friday, directing a message toward Metcalf.
"DeKaylin, if you're watching this, man, if you could just say that, please," Kennedy said. "My family is getting threats, and it's not cool."
Head acknowledged a report that Metcalf filed a complaint involving Kennedy last season while with Seattle, though he said no violation was found following an investigation.
The NFL suspended Metcalf for two games earlier this week for violating league policy, a decision he is reportedly appealing. The suspension sidelines him for the remainder of the regular season and could impact guarantees tied to the five-year, $150 million contract he signed after joining Pittsburgh in March.
The Pittsburgh Steelers will attempt to clinch the AFC North on the road Sunday against the Cleveland Browns without Metcalf in the lineup.
