Sports
Lions fan involved in altercation with Steelers star denies using derogatory language toward player
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
The Detroit Lions fan who got into an altercation with Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf during a game on Sunday evening denied using derogatory language toward the player.
Ryan Kennedy released a statement through Head Murphy Law in Michigan on Monday, denying accusations that he used the “N-word,” “C-word” or “any racial, misogynistic, or hate-based slur toward Metcalf.” Kennedy’s reps called the allegations “completely false.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
DK Metcalf #4 of the Pittsburgh Steelers looks on during the game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Dec. 21, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
“At no point before, during or after the incident did Mr. Kennedy use racial slurs or hate speech of any kind,” the statement read. “The claims suggesting otherwise are untrue and are not supported by video evidence, eyewitness accounts, or any contemporaneous reporting. Despite reports in the media last night and today, Mr. Kennedy has not used such language during an interaction with Mr. Metcalf or any other players in the past.
“Since these false statements began circulating publicity, Mr. Kennedy has been subjected to harassment, threats, and messages advocating violence, creating serious concern for his and his family’s personal safety and well-being. No private individual should be falsely branded with such accusations or exposed to threats based on misinformation.”
The statement said Kennedy will have no further comment as legal proceedings are anticipated.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf (4) during the NFL game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Los Angeles Chargers on Nov. 9, 2025, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA. (Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire)
DK METCALF, LAMAR JACKSON AND OTHER NFL PLAYERS WHO HAVE HAD FAN ALTERCATIONS
Metcalf was spotted confronting the fan, who was near the barrier on the Steelers’ sideline. He pulled the fan’s shirt and took a swing at the man who was wearing a black and blue shirt and a blue wig.
The man told the Detroit Free Press that Metcalf was upset that he called the wide receiver by his full name.
However, the NFL Network offered a conflicting report. The outlet said Metcalf reacted the way he did because the fan used derogatory language toward him and made a remark about his mother. Metcalf reportedly had a negative experience with the fan last year when he played for the Seattle Seahawks.
Bundle FOX One and FOX Nation to stream the entire FOX Nation library, plus live FOX News, Sports, and Entertainment at our lowest price of the year. The offer ends on Jan. 4, 2026. (Fox One; Fox Nation)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
Metcalf is expected to face discipline in either the form of a fine or suspension.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Sports
Wisconsin senator says ‘enough is enough’ after NFL puts Packers holiday game behind Netflix paywall
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
After the National Football League announced its inaugural Thanksgiving Eve game, a U.S. senator was not pleased.
The Green Bay Packers and Los Angeles Rams will face off in Inglewood, California, on Thanksgiving Eve, and the game is set to be broadcast exclusively on Netflix.
That, of course, requires a paid subscription, which is unacceptable for Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.).
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Netflix and NFL signage advertises the NFL’s two Christmas Day marquee games streaming live on Netflix in New Orleans, Louisiana, on Dec. 1, 2024. (Aaron M. Sprecher/Getty Images)
Baldwin last month introduced a bill that would give fans free live broadcasts of their home state’s professional sports teams. Shortly after the NFL’s announcement, she ripped them.
“As the cost of just about everything continues to rise, the NFL is once again asking Wisconsinites to spend their hard-earned money on another streaming service. Enough is enough,” Baldwin said in a statement. “My For the Fans Act would stop this exact scenario and prevent Wisconsin families from being forced to pay for Netflix just to watch the Packers play this Thanksgiving.”
Games played on other streaming sites, or even the NFL Network, have been made available to fans on local television, but Netflix remains an exception.

Sen. Tammy Baldwin was re-elected in Wisconsin as the state also voted for Donald Trump in the presidential election. (Tammy Baldwin/Reuters)
A few years ago, the NFL realized Black Friday could be an option for fans to gather around their televisions, and it found another as hometown bars will be packed the night before the big holiday.
The NFL has dipped its toe into holidays, also becoming the new king of Christmas.
Netflix holds the rights to five NFL games in 2026, including the league’s first-ever game in Australia. The streaming service will have five regular-season games as well as the NFL Honors through 2029. It had been carrying two games on Christmas Day since 2024.
While Netflix’s push into live sports has drawn some criticism, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos said the strategy is not aimed at securing full-season rights packages for any sports league.
“We’re not bidding on whole season of sports, including the NFL,” Sarandos told FOX Business Network’s “Mornings with Maria” on Tuesday. So far, Sarandos’ comments have held true with Netflix prioritizing marquee events, including Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson and the New York Yankees’ opening-day shutout of the San Francisco Giants.

Teams line up at the line of scrimmage during the NFL game between the Green Bay Packers and the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Oct. 6, 2024. (Jevone Moore/Icon Sportswire)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
However, federal scrutiny into sports fragmentation has brought the topic of live sports on streaming services to the forefront.
Fox News’ Chantz Martin and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Sports
Cedric Alexander becomes new TNA X Division champion, crushing Leon Slater’s history-making attempt
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
All eyes were on the Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) X Division Championship on Thursday night as Leon Slater looked to retain the title over Cedric Alexander and solidify himself as the longest-reigning X Division champion in the company’s history.
Slater knew a legacy was on the line as he looked to break a record set by Austin Aries. But he needed to pin Alexander twice in one match to retain the title. It was a steep mountain to climb as Alexander had been just as dangerous since he entered the company.
The match started off hot with Slater and Alexander trading blows to begin the match. But a quick-thinking Slater rolled up Alexander quickly for the first fall.

Cedric Alexander in the ring during NXT at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Fla., on Sept. 23, 2025. (Bradlee Rutledge/WWE)
Alexander was able to go on offense from there. He hit a nasty German suplex on the outside of the ring. He continued to work on Slater’s tweaked neck. He later hit a Lumbar Check to tie the match at 1-1.
Slater went deep into his bag. He hit an avalanche Styles Clash, which could have kept anyone else down. However, Alexander kicked out. Alexander was able to counter Slater’s high-flying abilities just for a moment and knocked him back out of the ring.
Alexander sent Slater into the steel steps, leaving him busted open. Alexander declared that he would be the “greatest” X Division champion. One brainbuster later, Alexander tried to pin Slater, but couldn’t get him down.
Alexander hit a Lumbar Check again, but Slater kicked out. Slater mustered up the last ounce of energy. A tilt-a-whirl slam set Alexander up for a swanton 450. Slater missed and Alexander hit another Lumbar Check, and then again.

Leon Slater enters the arena during NXT at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Fla., on Jan. 6, 2026. (Craig Melvin/WWE)
Alexander pinned Slater for the win, completely shocking the fans in Sacramento, California. It will be the first reign for Alexander and his first title of any kind in TNA.
Alexander is a reminder, at least for TNA, that “The System always wins.”
ZERO BS. JUST DAKICH. TAKE THE DON’T @ ME PODCAST ON THE ROAD. DOWNLOAD NOW!
Fabian Aichner appears

Fabian Aichner, formerly known as Giovanni Vinci, makes his way to the ring during WWE SmackDown at Golden 1 Center in Sacramento, Calif., on Sept. 20, 2024. (WWE/Getty Images)
Moments before TNA went off the air, the lights went out in the Sacramento Memorial Auditorium. Emerging from the darkness was Fabian Aichner.
Aichner stared down Alexander and appeared to name himself the next challenger for the X Division Championship. Aichner, known as Giovanni Vinci for much of his run in WWE, hadn’t really been seen or heard from in months since his departure from WWE.
Aichner wrestled under his real name for a stint in WWE before he came back as Vinci in June 22. He was with WWE until 2025. He was a two-time NXT tag team champion and an Evolve champion before it became a WWE brand.
Eric Young earns future shot at TNA World Championship
Eric Young outlasted nine other men in an over-the-top battle royal and earned a shot at Mike Santana’s TNA World Championship to start the show.
The match came down to him and Elijah after the latter was able to toss members of The System out of the ring while also avoiding Frankie Kazarian trying to get back into the match following his own elimination.
Young and Elijah came to blows on the apron, knowing that as soon as their feet touch the ground, they would be eliminated. Young grabbed onto Elijah’s hair to try to hang onto the moment. Elijah broke away with Young’s back turned to him. Elijah, however, didn’t account for his wide stance.
The TNA original kicked Elijah in the groin and pushed him down to the ground. Young won the match and received a shot to win the TNA World Championship in the future.
He also made clear that Santana was next on his list of people to wipe out as he did to Joe Hendry, EC3 and Ricky Sosa in weeks past.
“Mike Santana, you’re gone next,” he declared.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Mike Santana learns his next opponent

Mike Santana stands in the ring during NXT at the WWE Performance Center in Orlando, Fla., on Sept. 30, 2025. (Kevin Sabitus/WWE)
Mike Santana came out to address the crowd and praised Young for his efforts to help build TNA from the ground up.
“You better be coming with something different because while you may be someone who helped build this place, when it comes to the new era of TNA on AMC, I’m the guy. I’m the man. I’m the one who holds down the fort week after week as your TNA world champion.”
While Young might have earned a title shot, Daria Rae came out and revealed to the crowd that Steve Maclin was cleared to return to action following an injury at the hands of Santana.
Maclin will get a shot at Santana’s TNA World Championship next week on “Impact.”
Santino Marella also came out during the segment after he was “suspended.” He revealed that Indi Harwell re-signed with TNA.
Lei Ying Lee, Xia Brookside rivalry heats up

Xia Brookside attends the “Freelance” screening at Regal Waterford Lakes in Orlando, Fla., on Oct. 24, 2023. (Jose Devillegas/Getty Images)
Lei Ying Lee brought the TNA Knockouts Championship back home last week with a win over Arianna Grace. She addressed the crowd before being interrupted by her former best friend, Xia Brookside.
In all black, Brookside claimed she was already in Lei’s head.
“You’re such a fraud. I’ve destroyed you mentally, I’ve destroyed you emotionally, I’ve destroyed you physically, and that title will be around my waist.”
Both competitors tossed expletives at each other before the segment was over. But Brookside made clear that she had her eyes on the title.
AJ Francis prevails over KC Navarro
A.J. Francis told Fox News Digital before the SacTown Street Fight on “Impact” that he was going to bring the pain to Navarro.
While wearing “Show Stealer” across his back, Francis did just that. Francis took some punishment from Navarro – a few shots from a baseball bat and a drop kick with a trash can.
Francis was able to turn the tide for a few moments, using the baseball bat to his advantage. But Navarro dug deep. He aligned six chairs in the ring, hoping to splash Francis through it. Instead, Francis countered and attempted an avalanche Down Payment. Somehow, Navarro countered with a cutter as both men crashed through the sea of chairs.
It looked like it could’ve been it. Navarro went for the pin, but only got a two count.
Francis turned on the heat from there. He got ahold of Navarro and hit a Down Payment through tables lined up on the outside of the ring.
He rolled Navarro back into the ring and picked up the pinfall victory.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
“Impact” match results
- Eric Young wins the 10-man battle royal to earn a shot at the TNA World Championship.
- A.J. Francis def. KC Navarro in a SacTown Street Fight.
- Rosemary and Allie def. Veronica Crawford and Mila Moore
- Cedric Alexander def. Leon Slater to win the X Division Championship.
Sports
Giannis Antetokounmpo Next Team Odds: Will ‘Greek Freak’ Finally Leave MIL?
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
The Greek Freak could soon be on an odyssey out of Milwaukee.
Where could Giannis Antetokounmpo land next? Here are the latest odds at DraftKings Sportsbook as of May 14.
This page may contain affiliate links to legal sports betting partners. If you sign up or place a wager, FOX Sports may be compensated. Read more about Sports Betting on FOX Sports.
Giannis Antetokounmpo next team
Bucks: +125 (bet $10 to win $22.50 total)
Celtics: +400 (bet $10 to win $50 total)
Heat: +700 (bet $10 to win $80 total)
Warriors: +900 (bet $10 to win $100 total)
Cavaliers: +1200 (bet $10 to win $130 total)
Knicks: +1400 (bet $10 to win $150 total)
Blazers: +1600 (bet $10 to win $170 total)
Wolves: +1600 (bet $10 to win $170 total)
During Antetokounmpo’s 12 years in the league, he has been named the regular-season MVP twice, won an NBA title and was named finals MVP.
However, since the Bucks won that title at the end of the 2020-21 season, things have progressively gone downhill.
The following season, Milwaukee lost in the Eastern Conference semifinals to the Boston Celtics in seven games. Then, the Bucks did not make it past the first round in three consecutive seasons.
This season, Milwaukee missed the postseason entirely.
Where do the Bucks go from here? Is it time to trade their franchise cornerstone?
Reports have circulated across the basketball universe for over a year that the two sides don’t see an alternate solution, and just this week, Shams Charania reported that a trade is once again on the table this offseason.
If they do decide to restart their roster, the offers for Antetokounmpo will be hefty. Second on the board are the Celtics, who might consider parting ways with Jaylen Brown after a first-round exit in this year’s playoffs. Brown made waves after that postseason exit by exclaiming that this season was his favorite as a professional, despite Boston’s untimely defeat and Jayson Tatum missing a majority of the season while recovering from a ruptured Achilles.
-
Tech1 week agoA new frontier: Identity stack evolves for agentic systems | Computer Weekly
-
Tech7 days ago‘Orbs,’ ‘Saucers,’ and ‘Flashes’ on the Moon: Pentagon Drops New UFO Files
-
Fashion1 week agoNew orders in German manufacturing up 5% MoM in Mar 2026: Destatis
-
Tech7 days agoNick Bostrom Has a Plan for Humanity’s ‘Big Retirement’
-
Tech1 week agoWhat Microsoft Executives Really Thought About OpenAI in 2018
-
Sports7 days agoShaheen Afridi achieves landmark feat during opening Test against Bangladesh
-
Fashion7 days agoUS’ Carter’s taps retail veteran Sharon Price John as new CEO
-
Entertainment7 days agoRihanna embraces new tattoo given by children

