DK Metcalf punches fan: NFL provides statement surrounding ejection for Steelers WR, per report

As a game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions continued into the second half, receiver DK Metcalf remained on the field. That despite him throwing a punch at a fan in the stands midway through the second quarter.

According to reporting from the Detroit Free Press, the NFL was not able to intervene with an ejection. The outlet reported the following:

“The NFL said in a statement it cannot intervene for an ejection of Metcalf.” No further detail was provided.

Rules expert Gene Steratore also provided some clarification on why DK Metcalf was not ejected despite throwing a punch at a fan. He weighed in on the game’s broadcast on CBS.

“On this situation because the officials did not see this and you wouldn’t expect them to where DK Metcalf was, it’s not something they can weigh in on from an officiating standpoint,” Steratore said. “I have been notified, though, that that will be delivered to compliance with the NFL and they’ll address it at that point.”

The sequence in question with DK Metcalf occurred during the second quarter. Cameras were on him when he made the swing.

In fact, CBS sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson was also watching closely at the time of the incident. She, too, weighed in on what she saw.

“I was watching it, and he came over because the fan in the stands was holding a (No. 4) Pittsburgh jersey. He went over and the fan said something to him. Obviously, Metcalf did not like what he said, and you saw the swipe there,” Wolfson said. “No Steelers came over to him and mentioned anything. We’ll see if the league takes action.”

DK Metcalf nearly scored a touchdown in the third quarter. He caught a touchdown pass against the Lions, but it was overturned following a penalty for an illegal pick that helped get him free.

Metcalf had two catches for 17 yards in the game at the time of this writing. Metcalf entered Sunday’s contest with 55 catches for 808 yards and six touchdowns.