Detroit fan Ryan Kennedy sues D.K. Metcalf and others over false racial slur claims from a game clash, alleging harm to his reputation and business.

Ryan Kennedy, a Detroit Lions fan, has filed a $100 million defamation lawsuit against Steelers wide receiver D.K. Metcalf, the Steelers, former NFL player Chad Johnson, and others, alleging false claims that he used racial slurs during a December 21 game altercation. Kennedy denies using offensive language, saying he only called Metcalf by his first name and that Metcalf initiated physical contact. The lawsuit claims Johnson’s podcast statements, widely reported by major media, spread false narratives that led to death threats, hate mail, and damage to Kennedy’s business. Metcalf was suspended for two games, and the NFL has not commented on the lawsuit, which also alleges negligence by Ford Field and failure to issue retractions.