The Pittsburgh Steelers vs. the Detroit Lions had the most unusual phenomenon of Week 16. During the second quarter, Steelers WR D.K. Metcalf took a swing at a fan because of some altercations. However, former NFL defensive Isaac Rochell was not having any of it.

“I’ve had fans yell racial slurs at me during NFL games,” said Isaac Rochell during an Instagram video. “A fan was yelling racial slurs at us. We told the stadium security, the fans were removed, and they didn’t get to watch the rest of the game. That’s how you handle fans saying stuff to you. Not the way that DK Metcalf handled thing.”

The former DE summed the situation up quite nicely.

Any form of sports requires strong mental fortitude, especially if you are a person of color. Fans making derogatory comments about them or their families is nothing out of the blue, even though it is wrong. So, rather than losing their cool and going after those fans is not the solution. Taking help from the authorities and using the correct method to deal with the situation should be the priority.

However, D.K. Metcalf went straight to the Lions fan holding a Steelers jersey over the ledge. He pulled him by his shirt and went for a punch. Fortunately, it just grazed past the Lions fan, who claimed his name to be Ryan Kennedy. If the fist connected, the consequences for the WR would have been graver.

To further shed light on the situation, Isaac Rochell emphasized how the incident shapes the “black” narrative and how it will affect children.

“As a young black athlete, people are waiting for you to slip up,” continued Rochell when speaking about the incident. “People are waiting for you to fit the narrative that they’ve created for you, and in the minute you do it, you become what they expected or wanted or whatever. There’s also a number of young children who are watching everything you do, and they see you act out like that, and you’re not being a good role model in that moment.”

Children often idolize sports personalities for their work ethic and behavior. But this situation painted something different. On top of it, Metcalf is a “black” athlete, and the impact might be even deeper because of the societal norms against the race.

He further said, “I don’t care if he said the craziest racial slur in human history. Doesn’t give you a reason to lash out at them during a football game when you are such an example for so many.”

For him, itis about being an excellent athlete who will answer everyone on the field rather than getting emotional and rash. No amount of racial slurs will be able to derail them.

While Isaac Rochell let out his feelings on the situation, many are demanding better protection for the players.

The NFL needs a better protection system

Being a black athlete, Isaac Rochell blamed D.K. Metcalf for the altercation with a fan. Many supported his criticism of the wide receiver. However, another former black NFL star, Cam Newton, shared a different perspective on the situation. Rather than play the blame game, he wants the NFL to take better care of the players.

“I have always stood on this principle, no matter the league you can go to MLB, you can go to NBA, you can go to WNBA, you can go to the NFL, I think we need to bolster the protection because the fans are able to do whatever and just fall on the thought that this is fandom,” said Cam Newton, via ESPN’s First Take.

His voice became louder, and it was evident that the situation upset him.

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Cam Newton further added, “I think as leagues, we do need and we owe a responsibility so that these will not happen moving forward. We’ve seen it happen numerous times over the last couple of years in any type of league.”

The former quarterback is right in pointing out how easy it is for the fans to slip out of the situation.

Anything they say will be said in the name of fandom. However, the moment a black player reacts, everything will fall upon him. Newton is not trying to defend Metcalf, but pointing towards the safety of the players. Better protocols need to be instilled in the leagues. The moment the line between cheering and abusing is crossed, the officials should take immediate action.

D.K. Metcalf has not spoken to the media since the incident. So, it is still unclear what exactly happened. However, it might not be long before he speaks up since the NFL is strict in these regards. Irrespective, he will receive punishment for punching the fans. A fine and game ban seems inevitable.

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a 92% chance of making it to the playoffs. Even if Metcalf does not play, a win will ensure them a place in the postseason. With so much happening around the Steelers locker room and Mike Tomlin’s no-comment remark on the incident, it will be interesting to see how the event shapes up.