Insider: Steelers' DK Metcalf Just Changed Absolutely Everything For The NFL

The Pittsburgh Steelers may have come away with a big-time win on Sunday afternoon after defeating the Detroit Lions by a score of 29-24, but the aftermath wasn't all positive. Star wide receiver DK Metcalf was officially suspended by the NFL for the final two games of the regular season after a sideline altercation with a fan went awry. There was plenty of speculation leading up to the league's decision, and the verdict was revealed on Monday evening. The organization will not have the pass-catcher on the field again until the postseason, if the team gets there.

Regardless of any words that may have been exchanged between Metcalf and the fan, the NFL prohibits players from acting the way the wideout did. The league's top officials had a decision to make, and a two-game suspension that takes away over $500,000 from a top playmaker sends a strong message. Metcalf will appeal, but some are very skeptical that it will work out in his favor.

Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk is commonly recognized as one of the go-to individuals when it comes to legal situations regarding the NFL and any of its players. He quickly reacted to the news of Metcalf's suspension, and made sure to note that he is confident that it will hold up, regardless of who the appeal officer ends up being.

"The Commissioner (or his designee) will have no choice but to uphold the punishment on appeal," Florio wrote.

The insider then went into great detail about why this situation is such a headache for the league and Commissioner Roger Goodell. A precedent has been set because what happened between Metcalf and the fan could have been much worse for all parties involved.

"Beyond basic issues of what should and shouldn’t be acceptable by the operator of a business that invites members of the public to pay a significant amount of money to consume its product, failure to take swift and decisive action creates a major legal risk," Florio noted. "If the next incident involves a player making solid contact with his fist to a fan’s face and causing serious injury, there would be massive potential liability — exacerbated by the failure of the league to effectively punish the last player who had done something like it."

Essentially, what would be stopping another player from doing this if Metcalf just got a slap on the wrist? Overall, the league's hands were tied and there were no other options aside from coming down hard on the offensive superstar.

Now, the NFL can make sure that all players and coaches know that acknowledging, and then making contact with fans that are in the stands, is absolutely unacceptable. Additionally, there could be new requirements set forth when it comes to how stadiums and security avoid this type of disaster. Florio pointed out something will be changed.

"The suspension is fair. The suspension was required," Florio stated. "Now, the league, its teams, and its stadiums will be required to devise a security plan that not only keeps customers from assaulting players, but that also keeps players (or coaches or any other employees on the sideline) from assaulting customers."

Some may believe that the punishment is harsh, particularly because it came so quickly without truly knowing what was even said. That appears to not matter, however, as the safety of fans and potential legal ramifications are what the NFL cares about much more.

Steelers Hoping Metcalf's Suspension Means Absolutely Nothing

While Pittsburgh is expected to not have Metcalf for Weeks 17 and 18, it could not really matter in the grand scheme of things. If the Green Bay Packers defeat the Baltimore Ravens on Saturday, then the Steelers would be crowned as winners of the AFC North. In this scenario, the wide receiver would most likely be sitting due to rest in Week 18 anyway. That isn't a lock to happen, but it seems like the most likely scenario.

Do you think that the Steelers won't need Metcalf until the playoffs? Let us know in the comments below!

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