Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III urged the league to review whether Detroit Lions receiver Amon‑Ra St. Brown should face discipline after Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne was suspended for striking him. Griffin’s call came amid circulating video and competing accounts of an on‑field altercation that has drawn widespread attention.
The incident unfolded in the second quarter of Detroit’s 44‑22 victory as players jostled after a touchdown. Payne was ejected immediately for throwing a punch to St. Brown’s head and the league announced a one‑game suspension on Monday. Washington players disputed the league’s ruling, releasing footage that they say shows St. Brown initiating contact earlier in the sequence.
Detroit Lions, Amon-Ra St. Brown, NFLa
Sep 7, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) during warmups prior to the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Griffin posted on social media that if St. Brown did strike Payne first, he should be held to the same standard and face appropriate discipline. The former quarterback’s comments amplified debate about consistency in on‑field discipline and whether all relevant evidence had been considered before the suspension was imposed. Fans and pundits quickly weighed in, with opinions split over who provoked the confrontation.
League sources say appeals are possible and that the league reviews additional footage and reports when assessing punishments. Commanders staff and some teammates argued the initial ejection and suspension failed to reflect the full context, while the Lions maintained that their receiver did not escalate the situation. Independent clips posted online show different angles, but none conclusively depict the exchange that precipitated Payne’s retaliatory action.
Robert Griffin III Says NFL Should Review Potential Punishment for Detroit Lions’ Amon-Ra St. Brown
Sep 25, 2021; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; ESPN commentator Robert Griffin III on the field prior to the first half at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2021; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; ESPN commentator Robert Griffin III on the field prior to the first half at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports
Griffin has called on the league to check how it should punish St. Brown for his actions during a game against the Commanders. This can be seen in a post shared by the sports analyst on his official X account.
If this was a closed fist punch by Lions WR Amon Ra St. Brown, he too should be suspended for a game. Happened right in front of the Ref and nothing was done like Javon Kinlaw said. pic.twitter.com/92ejYSKnSm
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) November 12, 2025
The episode adds strain to a Commanders season already marked by injuries and instability, while the Lions move on with a resurgent offense. For Payne, the suspension means missing the team’s Week 11 game in Madrid unless an appeal is successful. For St. Brown, scrutiny intensified as analysts and former players examined whether his actions warranted league review.
Detroit Lions, Amon-Ra St. Brown, NFLa
Oct 20, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) practices before the game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images
The controversy raises broader questions about how the NFL polices player conduct during heated moments and how quickly disciplinary decisions are made in high‑stakes games. The league will likely face renewed calls for transparency as teams, players and the public await any further findings or penalties.
Detroit Lions, Amon-Ra St. Brown, NFLa
Oct 12, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) runs with the ball during the first half against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
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