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Steelers star WR suspended for rest of regular season amid playoff push
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- Steelers star WR suspended for rest of regular season amid playoff push
The Pittsburgh Steelers will try to clinch a playoff berth on Sunday, but they might need to do it without DK Metcalf .
The star wide receiver was suspended two games by the NFL "for conduct detrimental to the NFL for initiating a physical confrontation with a fan" during Sunday's win against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field.
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Metcalf's actions violated the NFL's policy that says, "players may not enter the stands or otherwise confront fans at any time on game day and … if a player makes unnecessary physical contact with a fan in any way that constitutes unsportsmanlike conduct or presents crowd-control issues and/or risk of injury, he will be held accountable."
Video showed Metcalf engaging with the fan , identified as Ryan Kennedy, grabbing his shirt collar then forecfully letting go. Rumors surfaced on social media that Kennedy used racial slurs and called Metcalf's mother a derogatory term. Kennedy denied using racist and misogynistic slurs, and told the Detroit Free Press that he used Metcalf's full name — DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf — which prompted the reaction from the wideout.
ESPN reported Metcalf had issues with the same fan while he played for the Seattle Seahawks and reported him to security in the past.
Metcalf will appeal his suspension, but if it is upheld, he will miss the final two regular season games. The suspension will also void $45 million in future guaranteed money.
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Steelers coach Mike Tomlin told reporters Metcalf will have his hearing at some point on Tuesday.
"He did explain to me why he did what he did, and I certainly don't condone the behavior, but I support DK," Tomlin said . "And I really don't have a lot to add other than what I just told you,
The Steelers are atop the AFC North with a 9-6 record. They can punch their ticket to the playoffs with a Green Bay Packers win over the Baltimore Ravens or if Pittsburgh defeats the Cleveland Browns .
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