A Detroit man has filed a massive defamation lawsuit against Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf, the NFL, and several sports media outlets, alleging that he was falsely accused of using a racial slur during a confrontation at Ford Field in December. Ryan Kennedy, 45, is seeking over $100 million in damages after being publicly labeled a racist following the altercation with Metcalf.
According to the lawsuit, Kennedy, a lifelong Detroit Lions season-ticket holder and mortgage company CEO, was assaulted by Metcalf while attending a game between the Lions and Steelers. However, Kennedy claims that he never used any racial or misogynistic slurs during the encounter. He alleges that Metcalf initiated the physical contact without provocation.
Kennedy's attorney, Jon Marko, said in a statement that the use of the N-word is "the most offensive and inflammatory racial slur in the English language" and that falsely accusing someone of using it can cause harm to both the individual and other victims of racism. Kennedy also alleged that he received death threats, harassing voicemails, and hate mail after the claims circulated publicly.
The lawsuit centers on statements made by former NFL player Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson during a podcast episode, which claimed that Kennedy used racial and misogynistic slurs. The podcast was co-hosted by Shannon Sharpe and produced by Shay Shay Media LLC and All Time Sports LLC (which does business as The Volume).
The statements were then republished by major national outlets, including Yahoo Sports, ESPN, USA Today, Sports Illustrated, and TMZ, which Kennedy alleges made them with "actual malice or reckless disregard for the truth." Kennedy is suing these outlets, as well as Ford Field Management LLC, the Steelers, Johnson, and Metcalf, for defamation.
Kennedy also leveled allegations of negligence and premises-liability against Ford Field Management, alleging that the stadium operator failed to properly monitor and secure the front-row seating area, which allowed a player to access and physically confront a spectator. He is seeking court-ordered public retractions and corrections from the defendants through the same channels where the statements were originally published.
The NFL had previously disciplined Metcalf for his actions, suspending him for two games without pay for conduct detrimental to the league. However, Kennedy denies using any racial or misogynistic language during the encounter and claims that he was subjected to harassment and threats after the claims circulated publicly.
According to the lawsuit, Kennedy, a lifelong Detroit Lions season-ticket holder and mortgage company CEO, was assaulted by Metcalf while attending a game between the Lions and Steelers. However, Kennedy claims that he never used any racial or misogynistic slurs during the encounter. He alleges that Metcalf initiated the physical contact without provocation.
Kennedy's attorney, Jon Marko, said in a statement that the use of the N-word is "the most offensive and inflammatory racial slur in the English language" and that falsely accusing someone of using it can cause harm to both the individual and other victims of racism. Kennedy also alleged that he received death threats, harassing voicemails, and hate mail after the claims circulated publicly.
The lawsuit centers on statements made by former NFL player Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson during a podcast episode, which claimed that Kennedy used racial and misogynistic slurs. The podcast was co-hosted by Shannon Sharpe and produced by Shay Shay Media LLC and All Time Sports LLC (which does business as The Volume).
The statements were then republished by major national outlets, including Yahoo Sports, ESPN, USA Today, Sports Illustrated, and TMZ, which Kennedy alleges made them with "actual malice or reckless disregard for the truth." Kennedy is suing these outlets, as well as Ford Field Management LLC, the Steelers, Johnson, and Metcalf, for defamation.
Kennedy also leveled allegations of negligence and premises-liability against Ford Field Management, alleging that the stadium operator failed to properly monitor and secure the front-row seating area, which allowed a player to access and physically confront a spectator. He is seeking court-ordered public retractions and corrections from the defendants through the same channels where the statements were originally published.
The NFL had previously disciplined Metcalf for his actions, suspending him for two games without pay for conduct detrimental to the league. However, Kennedy denies using any racial or misogynistic language during the encounter and claims that he was subjected to harassment and threats after the claims circulated publicly.
This guy's suing DK Metcalf and the Steelers for like $100 million? That's wild 
. I mean, I get why Ryan Kennedy is upset, but come on, dude, you're a season ticket holder at Ford Field and you're still trying to play hero in a confrontation with a football player 
. And yeah, Metcalf might've initiated things, but that doesn't make it okay for him to go after someone without provocation.
, because let's be real, using that word is never okay. But at the same time, Metcalf should've known better than to mess with a guy in the stands like that.
. Some of you are saying he's a racist for denying using any racial slurs 
, while others are saying Metcalf should've just kept his cool 
. It's like, what even happens next?
. I mean, who gets accused of being a racist just for defending themselves in a confrontation? It's like, calm down DK! You went at him first, and now everyone thinks Kennedy is some kind of racist monster? That's just not fair.
. If he wins, it could be a major win for freedom of speech and the importance of verifying facts before sharing them 
... but at the same time, if you didn't say anything, how did someone else claim you did? It's like we're living in this weird echo chamber where one person's outburst can turn into a viral news story. Can we get to the bottom of what really happened that night? Maybe it was just an overreaction or miscommunication 
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I'm surprised this dude is suing DK Metcalf over a misunderstanding. Can't people just chill for one sec? 
It sounds like Kennedy got pretty worked up after getting into a confrontation with Metcalf at the game and now he's throwing around defamation lawsuits to try and clear his name. Newsflash, Ryan: if you were wrong about what happened, own up to it instead of trying to take down people online 
but anyway im all about kennedy winning his lawsuit because defamation lawsuits are super serious and can cost people millions 
he should get some justice for being falsely accused like that and having to deal with death threats and harassment 
As someone who's super passionate about mental health and wellness, I think it's heartbreaking that Ryan Kennedy is going through this. Using racial slurs is never okay, but falsely accusing someone of using them can be just as damaging. 
this is crazy!!! 
Ryan Kennedy's got the receipts too, all those death threats and hate mail he received were totally messed up 
and Chad Ochocinco Johnson is such a drama king