This is a 2025 photo of DK Metcalf of the Pittsburgh Steelers NFL football team. This image reflects the Steelers active roster as of Wednesday, June 11, 2025 when this image was taken. (AP Photo)

DETROIT — Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf will not face any charges stemming from an incident with a Detroit Lions fan during a game last December.

The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office announced Friday that it will not pursue a criminal complaint against Metcalf following an investigation into the incident between Metcalf and Ryan Kennedy.

CBS cameras caught Metcalf and Kennedy, a Lions fan wearing a blue wig and a blue and black shirt that aligned with Detroit’s colors, having an exchange along the rail in the second quarter of Pittsburgh’s 29-24 victory on Dec. 21.

Kennedy leaned over the railing during the exchange, and the blue wig fell forward to cover his face. The interaction ended with Metcalf reaching toward Kelly’s head with his right arm, though he didn’t appear to make much, if any, contact.

The NFL suspended Metcalf for the final two games of the regular season, though he did return for Pittsburgh’s first-round playoff loss to Houston.

Officials spent months reviewing a warrant request, including going over videotape of the incident and interviewing Kennedy, security and fans who sat near Kennedy during the game.

The officials ultimately denied the warrant request, noting that Kennedy “did not appear to be injured, nor did he seek medical attention at the game.”

Mitch Schuster, an attorney for Metcalf, applauded what he described as a “just result.”

A defamation lawsuit filed by Kennedy against Metcalf is still pending.

Browns break ground

BROOK PARK, Ohio — Cleveland Browns owner Jimmy Haslam and his family marked a significant milestone on Thursday with the groundbreaking ceremony for the new domed stadium scheduled to open for the 2029 season.

There are still a couple of questions to be answered though even as construction commences on the 67,500-capacity facility, which will be next to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport and about 15 miles (24 kilometers) south of downtown Cleveland.

The $600 million that the state of Ohio has committed to the $2.6 billion project is on hold due to a class-action lawsuit, which argues that the provision the state budget that took $1 billion from the state’s Unclaimed Funds Account to help fund sports facilities in Ohio, violate constitutional prohibitions against taking people’s private property for government use.

Governor Mike DeWine did not know if the litigation would be settled by the time he leaves office in January after two terms.

Elsewhere:

n Pro Bowl linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair will remain with the Houston Texans through the 2029 season after signing a three-year extension this week.