Steelers' DK Metcalf Surprised NFL Suspension for Hitting Lions Fan Wasn't Overturned

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf didn't get into a lot of the details about his recent two-game suspension, but he was able to say one thing related to the NFL's decision.

Speaking to reporters on Monday, Metcalf acknowledged he was surprised that the league didn't overturn the original suspension.

Metcalf was officially reinstated on Monday ahead of the playoffs, along with Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Denzel Perryman, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

The NFL suspended Metcalf two games for what it deemed "conduct detrimental" to the league stemming from an incident involving a Detroit Lions fan during a Dec. 21 game at Ford Field.

Metcalf appealed the original decision, but it was upheld by an appeals officer jointly appointed by the NFL and NFL Players Association.

Reporters tried to press Metcalf for information about the situation, but his response was some version of not being able to address what happened with the fan.

The fan, whose name is Ryan Kennedy, hired a lawyer who has said they are "evaluating all of our options" during a Dec. 26 press conference.

At the same press conference, Kennedy also denied using any racial slurs toward Metcalf:

"I want to be crystal clear about one thing: I didn't use any racial slurs, no hate speech, none of that stuff. If you're watching this, man, just if you could just say that please. Like, my family's getting threats and stuff, and it's not cool. So whether you said that or not, I'm sure you didn't want that to happen to the family. Even if you did, like I forgive you, man. That's all I got. Go Lions."

In addition to his suspension, Metcalf also lost two game checks that cost him $555,556 in salary and voided $45 million in future guarantees in his contract.

The suspension could have ended Metcalf's season prematurely, but the Steelers' 26-24 win over the Baltimore Ravens on Sunday night clinched the AFC North and a playoff berth.

Steelers running backs Jaylen Warren and Kenneth Gainwell became the go-to pass-catchers for the offense without Metcalf. They combined for 13 catches and 97 yards against the Ravens in Week 18.

Despite missing the two games, Metcalf finished the regular season as Pittsburgh's leading receiver with 850 yards and six touchdowns.

Metcalf will be back for the Steelers on Jan. 12 when they host the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium in the final game of wild-card weekend.