Washington Commanders defensive lineman Daron Payne has been handed a one-game suspension by the NFL after he threw a punch at Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, the league announced Monday.
The incident occurred during the second quarter of Washington’s 44-22 loss to the Lions on Sunday in Landover, Maryland. Following a 13-yard touchdown run by Jahmyr Gibbs, Payne approached St. Brown, drew back his right arm, and appeared to strike him in the helmet. Officials quickly ejected Payne from the game and flagged him for unsportsmanlike conduct.
According to the NFL’s disciplinary statement, Payne’s actions violated Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which covers unsportsmanlike behavior such as “throwing a punch or forearm,” and Rule 12, Section 2, Article 14(d), which bans striking or swinging at an opponent’s head or neck.
Before his ejection, Payne had not recorded any tackles. Through ten games this season, the former Pro Bowl lineman has registered 30 total tackles, five for loss, one sack, five pass deflections, and one forced fumble.
Head coach Dan Quinn said after the game that he discussed the growing frustration and penalties with the team at halftime.
“It wasn’t carrying over into the locker room, but I understood the emotion,” Quinn said. “Still, we’ve got to handle our frustration differently than that.”
St. Brown, who finished the game with five receptions for 58 yards and a touchdown, said the altercation had started a few plays earlier.
“We got into it a bit before that,” St. Brown explained. “When we scored, I said something small — nothing disrespectful — and he decided to take a swing. Things happen.”
Payne is allowed to appeal the suspension. If it stands, he’ll be eligible to rejoin Washington’s roster on November 17, ahead of the Commanders’ upcoming matchup with the Miami Dolphins in Madrid.
