Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne has been suspended one game without pay for “an act of unsportsmanlike conduct” during Sunday’s 44-22 loss to the Detroit Lions.
Payne was ejected from the game after striking Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown in the helmet during the second quarter. He was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct and then ejected. It remains unclear what provoked the act.
According to the press release from the NFL:
“During the second quarter, Payne was disqualified for striking Detroit’s Amon-Ra St. Brown, a violation of Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which applies to “any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship,” including “throwing a punch, or a forearm,” and Rule 12, Section 2, Article 14(d), which prohibits “striking, swinging at, or clubbing the head or neck of an opponent with the wrist(s), arm(s), elbow(s), or hand(s).”
The 28-year-old was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2022 and is Washington’s highest-paid player on defense.
Washington has now lost five-straight games in what has been a nightmare season to follow up a magical 2024 campaign. The team is currently without starting quarterback Jayden Daniels and it remains unclear when he’ll return.
Next up for the Commanders is a trip to Madrid, Spain to take on the Miami Dolphins in Week 11.
