The Steelers beat the Lions on Sunday but might’ve lost star wideout DK Metcalf for the rest of the regular season. Metcalf had a physical altercation with a Detroit fan during the 29–24 victory that resulted in a two-game suspension, the NFL announced on Monday, and will cost the wideout contract protections on his future earnings; he plans to appeal the ruling as Pittsburgh continues to fight for a playoff spot.

After Sunday’s game coach Mike Tomlin offered no comment on the Metcalf situation. At the time he had only heard about the incident but hadn’t seen video or talked to Metcalf so he declined to address the situation. By the time Tomlin’s weekly press conference rolled around on Tuesday things had obviously changed and the longtime Steelers boss gave his first comments on the situation.

They were, admittedly, brief. Tomlin was very cautious while discussing the situation given Metcalf’s impending appeal. But he did give his thoughts in a broad manner.

“[Metcalf] did explain to me why he did what he did,” Tomlin told reporters. “I certainly don’t condone the behavior. But I support DK. I really don’t have a lot to add other than what I just told you. I think he has a hearing this afternoon, an appeals hearing, and I certainly don’t want to weigh in prior to that. Certainly, I’ve heard more recently there might be legal ramifications. So I better be careful about what I say, how I say it.

“I’m sure you guys have a lot of questions, I understand that, but that’s the posture I’m in as I sit here today with so many components of this thing yet to be resolved.”

Tomlin’s Steelers are in pole position to claim the AFC North and an automatic berth into the AFC playoff bracket. But the Aaron Rodgers-led offense could struggle without Metcalf against a stiff Browns defense in Week 17.

How the NFL rules on the wide receiver’s appeal will have massive ramifications.

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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Steelers’ Mike Tomlin Gives First Comments on DK Metcalf Suspension for Fan Altercation.

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