The NFL has suspended defensive lineman Daron Payne of the Washington Commanders for one game after he punched Detroit Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown during a game on November 12, 2023. The league announced the suspension on Monday, citing unsportsmanlike conduct. Payne has the option to appeal the decision.
Payne’s suspension comes just ahead of the Commanders’ scheduled game against the Miami Dolphins in Madrid next Sunday. If he does not successfully appeal, he will be eligible to return to the team the day after the game.
This incident occurred during the second quarter of the Commanders’ 44-22 loss to the Lions, marking Payne’s first career ejection in eight seasons. The altercation began after the Lions scored their third touchdown, leading to a verbal exchange between Payne and St. Brown. Following the exchange, Payne struck St. Brown with his right hand, resulting in an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and automatic ejection from the game.
After the match, defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, a teammate of Payne’s, expressed his views on the situation, suggesting that St. Brown had thrown the first punch. “It’s some bulls—. 100 percent,” Kinlaw remarked. “Daron retaliated. The refs literally saw the first punch. I don’t blame him for the way he reacted. Tempers got to flaring.”
In contrast, St. Brown offered his perspective on the incident, stating, “Two plays before that we got into a little scuffle, back and forth.” He emphasized that their exchange was not severe, saying, “I say a little something, nothing crazy, and then he decides to swing on me.”
The situation highlights the intense emotions often present in high-stakes NFL games and raises questions about player conduct on the field. As teams prepare for the remainder of the season, the Commanders will have to navigate Payne’s absence as they face the Dolphins, while the Lions continue to build on their successful campaign.
