Mike Tomlin Immediately Gives Steelers Fans Response After DK Metcalf Punches A Fan

The Pittsburgh Steelers won an absolutely wild game in Week 16 against the Detroit Lions. The final score of 29-24 does not tell any part of the story at all, and there were fireworks all throughout the contest. The shenanigans really started when wide receiver DK Metcalf was caught on camera throwing a jab at an opposing fan; although, it is still unclear what exactly was said to provoke him like that. Either way, he will definitely be disciplined by the NFL; the only question is about how hard it will be. 

During the post-game press conference, Head Coach Mike Tomlin was asked about the whole situation surrounding his star receiver. He gave his thoughts on it in the most Tomlin way possible. 

"I heard about it, but I hadn't seen it, and I hadn't had an opportunity to talk to DK [Metcalf], and so I have no comment," Tomlin said.

Tomlin will most likely address the situation during his typical "Tomlin Tuesday" press conference later in the week, as he does whenever he gives a non-answer like that for different types of situations. Either way, there will probably be a lot of words exchanged behind closed doors about how Metcalf has to keep his cool and not take his anger out on a fan. Punching a player is one thing, but a fan is much worse. 

At the same time, Tomlin should not have to say anything. Metcalf has been around the league for many years. He is now making over $30 million per year, so it's not like dealing with NFL life is anything new to him. He should be taking out his anger on the Lions' defense while throwing a block, not on some trash-talker that has no influence on the contest at all. It's just a horrible situation that he got himself into. 

Despite that immature act, the officials did not see this happen and the league offices in New York did not step in, so Metcalf got to continue playing. He was clearly rattled by that, as he dropped a first down and negated his own catch with an offensive pass interference penalty soon after. At one point time, he had just one reception on six targets. It looked like he was being a detriment to the team.

He did lock in during the second half, as he ended the day with four receptions for 42 yards, including a 20-yard play. He played much better after halftime, but this whole scenario is still lingering, and it will until after his league-mandated discipline is over. He even declined to talk to the media, as he left the locker room at Ford Field before reporters could get in and ask him what happened. 

It's very clear that he knows what he did, and he knows it was wrong. Steeler Nation has been questioning him all season long, and that swipe just makes it very easy for the fan base to completely turn on him despite the massive contract he signed. There's nothing that Tomlin needs to say because Metcalf seems to be completely aware of how he hurt his own team with a needless jab. 

Steelers Clearly Have Bigger Issues As Metcalf Showed

The Steelers acquired Metcalf to be a replacement for George Pickens, who was another highly talented headcase who would hurt his own team with bad decisions. Pickens has not been the most mature player since leaving Pittsburgh, but he is still a far cry from what he was, as he has shown his elite talents for the Dallas Cowboys. He left and got more mature, and Metcalf regressed in that aspect on Sunday in Detroit. 

What do you think about Metcalf's punch, as well as Tomlin's non-answer for it? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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