Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne has received a one-game suspension without pay from the NFL, following an incident involving Detroit Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. The suspension was announced on Monday after Payne”s actions during the game on Sunday, where he was ejected for unsportsmanlike conduct.
The ejection took place in the second quarter of Washington”s 44-22 defeat at home against Detroit. As a result, Payne will be sidelined for the Commanders” upcoming matchup against the Miami Dolphins in Spain.
The league indicated that Payne was penalized under a rule that addresses “any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship.” This includes actions such as “throwing a punch, or a forearm,” along with another rule that prohibits “striking, swinging at or clubbing the head or neck of an opponent with the wrist(s), arm(s), elbow(s), or hand(s).”
Payne has the option to appeal the suspension. His absence comes amid a challenging season for the Commanders, who currently hold a record of 3-7 and are on a five-game losing streak.
As the team prepares for their next game, they will need to adjust to Payne”s suspension as they seek to turn their season around.
