Washington Commanders defensive lineman Daron Payne has been handed a one-game suspension after an on-field incident involving Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. The altercation occurred during the second quarter of their matchup on November 9, when Payne struck St. Brown across the jaw following a touchdown by the Lions.
The punch led to Payne's immediate ejection from the game, which concluded with the Lions defeating the Commanders 44-22. The NFL announced the suspension on November 10, citing violations of league rules regarding sportsmanship and player conduct.
Specifically, Payne's actions breached Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which addresses unsportsmanlike behavior, including throwing punches. Additionally, he violated Rule 12, Section 2, Article 14(d), which prohibits striking an opponent in the head or neck area.
As a result of the suspension, Payne will miss the Commanders' upcoming game against the Miami Dolphins in Madrid on November 16. He is eligible to return after the team's bye week on November 30 when they face the Denver Broncos.
Payne has the option to appeal the suspension if he chooses to do so. Following the game, Commanders players expressed their belief that the situation was more complex than it appeared.
Defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw claimed that St. Brown initiated the confrontation by throwing a punch first, suggesting that officials overlooked this initial act. “It’s some bulls***. 100 percent,” Kinlaw stated. “Daron retaliated. The refs literally saw the first punch. I don’t blame him for the way he reacted. Tempers got to flaring.”
St. Brown confirmed that there had been a prior exchange between him and Payne before the punch was thrown. “We got into a little scuffle, back and forth,” he explained. “Then we end up scoring and I go up to him, say a little something, nothing crazy, and then he decides to swing on me.”
Commanders safety Quan Martin also criticized officiating decisions during the game, particularly a penalty called against him. “I’m not sure why I was flagged,” Martin remarked. “I was pulled to the ground, kicked in the nuts and it was a flag on me. You could tell I was upset from being kicked in the nuts, intentionally, right in front of the refs.”
Despite the controversy surrounding Payne's suspension, the Lions' victory marked a significant turnaround after their previous loss to the Minnesota Vikings on November 2. In response to that defeat, Lions head coach Dan Campbell took over play-calling duties during the game against Washington.
Lions quarterback Jared Goff praised Campbell's leadership style and decision-making during the game. “I think it’s knowing when to go and when to pull and push and pull and push and pull,” Goff said. “To be honest, it’s one of his best traits as a leader, across leadership and play calling.”
The Lions are set to continue their season on November 16 against the Philadelphia Eagles.
