It was an ugly afternoon in Detroit for the Washington Commanders, and it got even uglier when defensive lineman Daron Payne was ejected after striking Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown during Sunday’s game.
The altercation happened midway through the second quarter as the two players walked past each other following a play. Cameras caught Payne throwing a punch at St. Brown, an act that quickly drew a flag and his disqualification from the game.
On Monday, the NFL announced Payne has been suspended without pay for one game for violating the league’s rules on unsportsmanlike conduct. According to the official release, Payne’s actions violated Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which covers “any act contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship,” including “throwing a punch or a forearm.” The league also cited Rule 12, Section 2, Article 14(d), which prohibits “striking, swinging at, or clubbing the head or neck of an opponent.”
Payne will miss Washington’s upcoming international matchup against the Miami Dolphins in Madrid on Nov. 16 and will be eligible to rejoin the team’s active roster the following Monday, Nov. 17.
Under the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, Payne is allowed to appeal the suspension, which would be heard by one of three jointly appointed disciplinary officers: Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, or Jordy Nelson.
The incident capped off a frustrating performance for the Commanders, who struggled on both sides of the ball in the loss to Detroit. Payne, a former first-round pick, had been one of the few bright spots in Washington’s defensive front this season.
