"Stay out of the stands players a slur or not" - 5x NBA Champ Offers No-Nonsense Advice to DK Metcalf After Steelers WR's Ugly Altercation with Fan

Ron Harper is the latest to react after the NFL upheld its decision to suspend Pittsburgh Steelers star DK Metcalf. The wide receiver got into an altercation with Ryan Kennedy, a Detroit Lions fan, on Sunday. Kennedy, according to multiple reports, allegedly directed racial and misogynistic slurs at Metcalf, accusations the fan’s lawyers have denied.

Harper, a five-time NBA champ, tweeted on Wednesday after Metcalf’s appeal was denied:

“Stay out of the stands, players, a slur or not..”

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DK Metcalf and Ryan Kennedy have a long history. ESPN reported on Wednesday:

“Metcalf, who played for the Seattle Seahawks before being traded to the Steelers this year, reported Kennedy to Seattle team security in the past, a source confirmed to ESPN's Brady Henderson. The Seahawks played at Detroit in 2022, 2023 and 2024.”

Clips of the Metcalf-Kennedy altercation quickly went viral. The former Seahawks star grabbed the fan’s shirt before pushing him off. Kennedy raised his arm to protest after Metcalf walked away.

The incident proved costly for Metcalf, who, besides being suspended for two crucial games, will lose money. NFL insider Adam Schefter reported:

“Metcalf now loses $555,556 in salary and has guarantees on $45 million voided.”

The former Chicago Bulls star reiterated a lesson that DK Metcalf will not forget.

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Ron Harper and football fans will not see DK Metcalf for two crucial Steelers games

The upholding of the two-game suspension means DK Metcalf will not play on Sunday against the Browns in Cleveland. Already without Calvin Austin III (hamstring), the Pittsburgh Steelers visit the Browns without their No. 1 wide receiver.

The Steelers remain definite favorites against the reeling Browns, but Metcalf’s absence widens the door for an upset. Metcalf’s 850 receiving yards on 59 catches are easily the best among Pittsburgh's wide receivers. The next two pass-catchers combine for 782 receiving yards on 97 catches. Austin has caught 28 passes for 317 yards, fifth-best on the team.

A win by the Steelers, sans Metcalf, books them a ticket to the playoffs. Pittsburgh gets a big help if the Green Bay Packers beat the Baltimore Ravens. Still, the Steelers would rather leave their destiny in their hands.

If the Steelers lose and the Ravens win, DK Metcalf will not be around in Week 18 when both will clash for a playoff spot and division crown.

Edited by Michael Macasero