Overview
- An appeals officer jointly appointed by the NFL and NFLPA upheld the suspension Tuesday, ruling Metcalf out for the Browns and Ravens games.
- After an initial NFL Media report of no discipline, the league said the fan’s actions remain under review and that it is following up with the Lions on code-of-conduct questions.
- The fan, identified as Ryan Kennedy, denies using racial, misogynistic, or hate-based slurs and plans a Friday press conference with his attorneys.
- Contract reporting indicates the ban costs Metcalf $555,556 in salary and could void about $45 million guaranteed in 2026–27.
- Steelers leadership voiced support for Metcalf, with reports of a reaffirmed commitment beyond this season, as captain Cam Heyward criticized rules that bar suspended players from team facilities.