The Pittsburgh Steelers‘ wide receiver DK Metcalf invited trouble during the Week 16 game against the Detroit Lions. The fiasco on the sidelines caught everyone’s attention, and the NFL soon sprang into action. Now, Pittsburgh legend Ben Roethlisberger has addressed the controversy and sent a player-to-player message that breaks down pressure and accountability.

“I’m like, you guys are going into enemy territory, like especially in a position like you are at where you are like a franchise face,” he said on Footbahlin with Ben Roethlisberger. “When they think about the Steelers, they think about your face, right? You are the quarterback. You are touching the ball on every play. Like, you have, in your career, have gotten probably the brunt of the worst of fans trash talking.”

While speaking on his podcast, Roethlisberger clarified that what happened with DK Metcalf is something that can’t be ignored. According to the Steelers legend, things can quickly get out of control when it comes to high-profile players. So, dealing with responsibility becomes essential. For context, the controversy erupted during Sunday’s game at Ford Field when the receiver fell prey to trash talk. The CBS broadcast showed Metcalf arguing with a fan wearing a blue wig and leaning over the railing.

In a video shared by ESPN’s Brooke Pryor on X, the receiver grabs the fan by the shirt collar and shoves him back before walking away. Roethlisberger thinks social media and internet culture have made taunts more “creative.” The fans come with “premeditated trash talk” just to trigger a reaction. Recounting his own experience of nasty comments, Ben acknowledged how hard it is to resist. He admitted that even a slight response can lead to a bigger problem that lasts throughout the game. 

“I always found if I could ignore it, as hard as it was sometimes, just not even acknowledge them, they actually would back off and look for someone else,” he added. 

In his view, players must learn to walk away no matter how heated things get. Meanwhile, his message comes after the league confirmed its punishment for DK Metcalf. 

The NFL hands down punishment to DK Metcalf

The NFL has suspended the receiver for two games, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Additionally, the 28-year-old will lose $555,556 in salary, but that’s not all. The suspension triggers a clause in his contract that voids $45 million in future guaranteed money. Former NFL head coach Chris Palmer, acting on behalf of commissioner Roger Goodell, upheld the discipline after the receiver filed an appeal.

In its official statement, the NFL cited the rule that Metcalf violated. It strictly bans players from entering the stands or confronting fans during games. The rule also states that any unnecessary physical contact with a fan that raises concerns of unsportsmanlike conduct or crowd control is an offense. On Tuesday, head coach Mike Tomlin broke his silence about the matter, striking a balanced tone. 

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“He did explain to me why he did what he did,” he said. “And I certainly don’t condone the behavior, but I support DK.”

DK Metcalf’s suspension is a major blow to the Steelers, who are very close to securing a playoff spot. Without him, Tomlin’s team will be missing their top wide receiver against both the Cleveland Browns and the Baltimore Ravens. To make matters worse, wide receiver Calvin Austin III is still recovering from a hamstring injury that he suffered in the last game. It will be interesting to see how they’ll navigate the situation with the crucial matchups approaching.