The Washington Commanders walked out of Detroit licking their wounds after a 44-22 beatdown, but the scoreboard wasn’t even the ugliest part of Sunday’s disaster. Defensive lineman Daron Payne made sure of that when he threw a punch at Lions wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown and got himself tossed from the game.
What was already shaping up as another forgettable afternoon for Washington’s struggling defense turned into a full-blown spectacle. It happened fast. Detroit was rolling on a short drive when Jahmyr Gibbs punched it in for a touchdown.
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As the Lions celebrated, cameras caught Payne winding up and swinging a right hand straight at St. Brown. The flags flew immediately, and Payne was gone.
By Monday morning, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network confirmed what everyone expected, Payne got hit with a one-game suspension without pay.
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After the game, Payne’s teammate Javon Kinlaw pointed the finger right back at St. Brown, claiming the Lions receiver threw the first punch. According to Kinlaw, Payne only reacted once the referees saw St. Brown swing, framing the whole thing as understandable self-defense.
The problem? No video has surfaced showing St. Brown actually swinging first. So, for now, the league clearly didn’t buy Washington’s version of events.
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The NFL’s official ruling cited Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which bans “any act contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship,” including throwing punches or forearms. They also threw in Rule 12, Section 2, Article 14(d), which specifically prohibits striking or swinging at an opponent’s head or neck area.
NFL Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne
Payne will sit out Washington’s international showdown against the Miami Dolphins in Madrid on November 16. He can rejoin the active roster the following Monday.
Under the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, Payne has the right to appeal the suspension to one of three jointly appointed disciplinary officers: Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, or Jordy Nelson.
Whether he takes that route remains to be seen, but the Commanders will have to manage without one of their key defensive pieces for at least one game.
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