“Soft as baby do-do”: Jason Whitlock calls out Ryan Clark for defending DK Metcalf’s 2-game suspension for punching Lions fan

DK Metcalf has already played his final regular-season game this year. The Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver has been suspended two games for punching a Detroit Lions fan on Sunday.

Former NFL safety Ryan Clark and ex-Eagles center Jason Kelce defended him on "SportsCenter" on Monday. They argued that Metcalf should have the option to say he is not comfortable playing if a particular fan is present. However, sports columnist Jason Whitlock clapped back at Clark and Kelce.

"'I don't feel comfortable continuing to do my job if they're here.' Soft as baby do-do. What are we doing? If you can't ignore a fan or fans, you're not mentally tough enough to do your job. Go away. You can't build a world based on spoiled people with no emotional control," Whitlock tweeted.

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The NFL handed Metcalf the suspension on Monday. It cited "conduct detrimental to the league" after a video of him swinging at the fan at Ford Field surfaced. The incident occurred in the second quarter near the tunnel.

Metcalf approached a fan in the front row, identified as Ryan Kennedy, grabbed him by his shirt and threw a punch. The confrontation reportedly began with a verbal exchange. Kennedy, who was wearing a blue wig and holding a jersey, told the Detroit Free Press that he called the receiver by his full name.

Kennedy denied using any racial or derogatory slurs. Despite the physical contact, game officials did not flag the incident, allowing Metcalf to finish the game. The wideout recorded four receptions for 42 yards.

The suspension will cost Metcalf $555,556 in lost salary. He will also miss the critical matchups against the Cleveland Browns and the Baltimore Ravens as Pittsburgh fights for a playoff spot.

DK Metcalf's punch might cost him a lot

DK Metcalf signed a four-year, $132 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers in March. It reportedly includes a clause that if he is unable to practice or play for any reason, the team can void his salary guarantees for the following two seasons. The total amount is nearly $45 million.

Metcalf is expected to appeal the suspension. However, even if the league reduces the punishment to one game, the clause would still apply, putting his future guarantees at risk.

The Steelers will host the Browns at Huntington Bank Field on Sunday.

Edited by Victor Ramon Galvez