There’s a proverb to show youngsters to disregard bullies and never retaliate bodily.
“Sticks and stones could break my bones, however phrases won’t ever harm me,” it goes.
It’s a lesson the Pittsburgh Steelers’ DK Metcalf positive might have used Sunday in Detroit.
The uber-talented however usually troubled huge receiver was suspended by the league for the ultimate two regular-season video games for an altercation with a fan throughout the second quarter of Pittsburgh’s 29-24 victory in opposition to the Lions.
Metcalf reportedly will attraction the ban, which might show extraordinarily pricey for the wideout and maybe damaging to his crew’s playoff hopes.
The Steelers (9-6) nonetheless lead Baltimore (7-8) by two video games within the NFC North, they usually can clinch the division title with a Ravens loss to Inexperienced Bay or a victory of their very own in opposition to Cleveland this weekend. But when neither of these occur, they might be gazing a Week 18 matchup in opposition to Baltimore for the division’s lone playoff berth with out their main receiver.
Based on CBS Sports activities, not solely would Metcalf forfeit $555,000 in wage from the ultimate two video games, however the suspension might void at the very least $45 million in future assured cash in his contract.
Movies present Metcalf strolling behind the Steelers’ bench and the crew’s medical tent and reaching as much as seize the fan — who was leaning over the railing and sporting a blue wig — by the shirt and pulling him nearer. After exchanging phrases, Metcalf forcibly pushed the person away.
The fan, recognized by the Detroit Free Press as Ryan Kennedy from Pinckney, Mich., claimed he known as Metcalf by his “authorities identify” of DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf.
Former NFL huge receiver Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson, on his “Nightcap” podcast, claimed he “received phrase” that Kennedy used a racial slur in opposition to Metcalf and a misogynistic slur in opposition to the receiver’s mom.
Metcalf didn’t converse with reporters after Sunday’s recreation. If what Johnson says is confirmed, then Kennedy needs to be banned from all NFL stadiums.
There are experiences Metcalf reported the identical fan to crew safety whereas taking part in final season with the Seattle Seahawks.
Which is much more motive Metcalf shouldn’t have been wherever near the stands Sunday at Ford Subject.
He ought to have been lobbying quarterback Aaron Rodgers for extra targets, not utilizing rabbit ears to be distracted by a voice within the crowd — even one probably so profane.
Metcalf took the bait and he and the Steelers are paying for it.
Former Pittsburgh security Ryan Clark, now an ESPN analyst, mentioned Metcalf “has to have the next degree of emotional intelligence.”
Metcalf is a bodily specimen, listed at 6-foot-4 and 229 kilos. There are few receivers which have been as chiseled, regardless of his claims he’s a “sweet particular person” that eats three or 4 baggage of gummies a day.
He additionally has a historical past of emotional points, having been fined 16 occasions by the NFL, in line with Spotrac, since coming into the league as a second-round select of Ole Miss in 2019. Most of these got here after altercations with defenders, usually after the play was lengthy over.
In Seattle, he ceaselessly was summoned to teach Pete Carroll’s workplace.
“I am a passionate participant and I am by no means going to again down from something,” Metcalf advised the Seahawks’ crew web site after being ejected from a recreation in 2021. “(Carroll) understands that, however on the identical time … I’ve received to develop up and proceed to get higher. I do know that I am nonetheless a piece in progress.”
And he nonetheless has classes to be realized.
