Marcus Spears, Ryan Clark react to DK Metcalf punching fan, two-game suspension

DK Metcalf has been suspended by the NFL for the next two games after punching a fan Sunday during the Steelers’ 29-24 win over the Browns. He’ll miss the rest of Pittsburgh’s regular season.

During Monday Night Countdown on ESPN, both Ryan Clark and Marcus Spears reacted to the suspension the NFL handed down on Metcalf. Both agreed that the Steelers WR should have left the heckler alone.

“DK Metcalf has to have a higher level of intelligence,” Clark said ahead of Colts vs. 49ers. “The one thing we have in this world is our name. We can’t let someone who doesn’t even deserve our energy push us to a point where we stain that. DK Metcalf has worked his entire life to be in this position. He’s worked his entire life to represent his family with what he does on the field and the way that he behaves in the community. That wasn’t representative of what he wants to be.”

Clark said that while he agrees that some people deserve to be “punched in the mouth,” Metcalf can’t let someone like that get a rise out of him — which is what Clark believes the person was trying to do.

Spears added to Clark’s sentiment. He believes Metcalf has some self reflection in his future.

“(He will) realize, ‘I did go a bit too far,’ even as egregious as potentially what this fan said in the stands,” Spears said. “… These fans know they’re protected. They heckle. This has been going on for years. This is nothing new.

“DK Metcalf has to understand that I can’t go over there and associate myself with a situation like that. God forbid the punch lands, because it would have been all kinds of ramifications with that part as well.”

His altercation with the fan came during the second quarter. Metcalf approached the stands along the sideline as the fan leaned over the railing. Video showed Metcalf throwing a punch before walking away. Since Metcalf was off the field at the time, no in-game ejection or immediate punishment was issued.

Metcalf, who reported the same fan to security last season, plans to appeal. For now, he’s set to miss this Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns and the regular season finale against the Baltimore Ravens.

The Steelers will move forward with their matchup vs. the Browns on Sunday without Metcalf in the lineup. Kickoff is set for Dec. 28 at 1 p.m. ET live on CBS.