There’s a proverb to show youngsters to disregard bullies and never retaliate bodily.
“Sticks and stones might 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 extensive receiver was suspended by the league for the ultimate two regular-season video games for an altercation with a fan in the course of 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 staff’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 looking at a Week 18 matchup in opposition to Baltimore for the division’s lone playoff berth with out their main receiver.
In line with CBS Sports activities, not solely would Metcalf forfeit $555,000 in wage from the ultimate two video games, however the suspension might void no less than $45 million in future assured cash in his contract.
Movies present Metcalf strolling behind the Steelers’ bench and the staff’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 title” of DeKaylin Zecharius Metcalf.
Former NFL extensive 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 communicate with reporters after Sunday’s recreation. If what Johnson says is confirmed, then Kennedy ought to be banned from all NFL stadiums.
There are stories Metcalf reported the identical fan to staff safety whereas taking part in final season with the Seattle Seahawks.
Which is much more purpose Metcalf shouldn’t have been anyplace near the stands Sunday at Ford Area.
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 a better stage of emotional intelligence.”
Metcalf is a bodily specimen, listed at 6-foot-4 and 229 kilos. There are few receivers which were as chiseled, regardless of his claims he’s a “sweet particular person” that eats three or 4 luggage of gummies a day.
He additionally has a historical past of emotional points, having been fined 16 instances by the NFL, in keeping with Spotrac, since coming into the league as a second-round pick 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 informed the Seahawks’ staff 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 discovered.
