The Washington Commanders endured a difficult showing versus the Detroit Lions as several players resorting to punches — with one of them being ejected while another escaped punishment
23:33 ET, 09 Nov 2025Updated 23:33 ET, 09 Nov 2025
Javon Kinlaw was lucky to not get ejected for hitting the official
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Javon Kinlaw was lucky to not get ejected for hitting the official(Image: X @MLFootball)
Washington Commanders lineman Javon Kinlaw escaped punishment despite seemingly punching a referee during the loss to the Detroit Lions.
On Sunday, the Commanders were crushed by the high-flying Lions in an NFL clash dominated by the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump. The Lions stormed to a 44-22 victory in a lopsided clash that even saw Trump enter the FOX booth.
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Jared Goff completed 25 of 33 passes for 320 yards and three touchdowns, while Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for 142 yards and two scores. Meanwhile, the Commanders struggled without reigning Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels, who could miss the rest of the season with his dislocated elbow injury.
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The Lions' show started early after Goff hit Amon-Ra St. Brown for a 9-yard touchdown; the receiver celebrated by pointing at the suites inside Northwest Stadium, where the President was believed to be sitting.
He hadn’t actually arrived yet, but St. Brown was none the wiser and paid homage with his own version of Trump’s infamous dance. The 79-year-old started a trend by doing a dance where he alternates arm extensions to the LGBTQ anthem YMCA.
Moments after the celebration, St. Brown was punched by Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne, who was swiftly ejected. His teammate also threw a punch, but stayed in the game.
Cameras captured a moment when Lions running back David Montgomery scored a two-point conversion. Kinlaw appeared to throw a left-handed punch and caught the referee, striking the official in the head.
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But officials did not eject Kinlaw, instead responding with an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. It was an odd series for Kinlaw, who was caught talking trash to Goff before his defense gave up another touchdown.
“Makes no sense to me,” FOX Sports analyst Jonathan Vilma said about Kinlaw getting in Goff's face. “You have literally done nothing. This first half, they've scored every time. They've run it right down your throat. I have no idea why you're talking trash.”
Ultimately, the ill-disciplined Commanders' defense could not contain the Lions' offense. Washington finally got into the end zone with a Chris Rodriguez Jr. touchdown, but Jake Bates kicked a field goal for the Lions to make the score 25-10 heading into halftime.
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Detroit continued to roll in the second half, and Washington simply couldn’t keep up. The Commanders fall to 3-7 with the loss, and the highs of last season, which culminated in an NFC Championship Game appearance, feel like a distant memory.
The Commanders face the Miami Dolphins in Spain on Sunday, Nov. 16, while the 6-3 Lions travel to take on the Philadelphia Eagles in a blockbuster NFC showdown on Sunday Night Football.