Only one person is to blame in the DK Metcalf imbroglio.
It’s DK Metcalf.
Sure, the blue-haired dipstick in the stands at Ford Field was looking to ensnare the Steelers wideout in a web of stupidity.
Shame on Metcalf for letting him.
That dope had nothing to lose.
Metcalf did, and lost it: He got suspended for two games, thus forfeiting game checks totaling more than $555,000. Worse yet, future contractual guarantees worth $45 million were voided because Metcalf was suspended for conduct detrimental to the NFL. (The player-friendly — i.e., soft — Steelers organization will reportedly make good anyway.)
The Steelers should cut Metcalf. His deal’s average annual value is a hefty $33 million. But he’s produced meh stats, too many drops, a flurry of offensive pass interference calls and now this.
The fan, meanwhile, faces no punishment. The NFL and Detroit Lions have determined he did not violate the fan code of conduct.
In other words, no racial slurs. Didn’t insult Metcalf’s mother.
Did ex-players/podcasters James Harrison and Chad Ochocinco actually talk to Metcalf like they said? Or did they fabricate that?
Metcalf got totally played by some blue-haired nutjob. A video overheard said loser stating that was his intent, to get Metcalf in hot water.
But that doesn’t clear Metcalf. Nothing clears Metcalf. He’s 100% in the wrong. You can’t hit a fan.
Why was Metcalf by the stands?
Where were his teammates and coaches?
Where was Steelers security?
Why didn’t Metcalf just have the fan ejected?
How could something this stupid happen?
What a weak punch, by the way. Metcalf certainly didn’t get his money’s worth.
The usual suspects gathered under the tent to plead Metcalf’s case, many citing when Baltimore quarterback Lamar Jackson shoved a fan at Buffalo during the Ravens’ Week 1 game. Jackson was not suspended, so why should Metcalf?
Because the fan made contact with Jackson first, slapping his helmet, as the NFL pointedly noted.
You knew the race card would be played. Locals eagerly glommed onto that.
In 2019, when Cleveland’s Myles Garrett tried to brain Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph with his own helmet and Garrett said he got provoked by a racial slur, nobody in Pittsburgh believed it. (Me, neither.)
But Metcalf’s accusation was immediately embraced as the truth, even though we’re not sure he made it.
There’s going to be a lawsuit. Metcalf is going to lose even more money.
The whole conundrum is indicative of a big-picture problem.
The Steelers don’t demand accountability.
Metcalf smacks a fan in Detroit.
Yahya Black flips off the Lions’ sideline.
Jalen Ramsey gets ejected for slugging Cincinnati’s Ja’Marr Chase in the Week 11 game between the Steelers and Bengals.
Coach Mike Tomlin either doesn’t know, or backs his player, or both.
It’s a team of entitled brats.
Even the perceived great leader, Cam Heyward, acted like a baby in each of the last two offseasons during his contract hold-ins. Heyward was easier to like when he was the strong, silent type.
It says a lot about the Steelers’ lack of leadership that Aaron Rodgers came in and clearly usurped the biggest part of that mantle during his first season with the team.
George Pickens was seen as a distraction during his three seasons in Pittsburgh. But Metcalf did more to damage the Steelers this past Sunday than Pickens did during his entire Steelers tenure.
Metcalf took the focus off the Steelers’ three-game win streak and their heightening prospects.
Here are Harrison’s two cents: “If that was me, back in my football days, I would have yanked his (butt) over that wall.”
Harrison would have been suspended. Just like Metcalf. For a lot longer. Because Harrison would have done more damage.
Anything goes if it means getting your child baptized, I guess.
Harrison, of course, slammed a fan who invaded the turf at Cleveland in 2005. But that was different.
That fan came onto the field. The reject from Blue Man Group did not.
Metcalf was stupid. If you make even the slightest excuse on his behalf, you’re just as stupid.
Update: The NFL and Lions have re-opened their investigation of the fan’s conduct. That’s likely just to placate Metcalf. The blue-haired goof is a longtime Lions ticket holder, faithful fan and loyal customer. Teams want fans around like that, and should. He loves the Lions. He’s more important to the Lions than Metcalf’s feelings.
