The NFL issued a one-game suspension to Washington Commanders defensive lineman Daron Payne for punching Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, the league announced Monday.
Payne delivered the blow in the second quarter of the Commanders’ 44-22 setback Sunday in Landover, Md. He was ejected after the incident, which occurred after Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs ran for a 13-yard touchdown with 9:41 remaining in the first half.
A replay showed Payne walk up to St. Brown before pulling back his right arm and delivering a punch to his helmet. Seconds later, Commanders’ lineman made contact with an official after the Lions converted a two-point conversion. He was given a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
“During the second quarter, Payne was disqualified for striking Detroit’s Amon-Ra St. Brown, a violation of Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which applies to ‘any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship,’ including ‘throwing a punch, or a forearm,’ and Rule 12, Section 2, Article 14(d), which prohibits ‘striking, swinging at, or clubbing the head or neck of an opponent with the wrist(s), arm(s), elbow(s), or hand(s),'” the NFL said in a statement.
Payne did not log a tackle in Sunday’s loss. The 2022 Pro Bowl selection totaled 30 combined tackles, five tackles for a loss, five passes defensed, a sack and a forced fumble through 10 starts this season.
Commanders coach Dan Quinn told reporters he addressed the unsportsmanlike penalties and frustration at halftime of Sunday’s loss.
“It wasn’t spilling into the locker room, but I get the frustration,” Quinn said. “But we’ve gotta find a way to channel our frustration better or different than that.”
St. Brown, who hauled in five catches for 58 yards and a score, said he got “into a little scuffle” with pain two plays before the punch.
“We end up scoring and I go up to him and say a little something, nothing crazy, and he decided to swing on me,” St. Brown said. “It is what it is.”
Payne, who can appeal the suspension, will be eligible to return to the Commanders’ active roster Nov. 17. The Commanders will play the Miami Dolphins on Sunday in Madrid.
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