Daron Payne, the defensive tackle for the Washington Commanders, has received a one-game suspension without pay from the NFL. This decision came on Monday following an incident during the game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday night. The suspension stems from Payne hitting Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, which led to his ejection for unsportsmanlike conduct in the second quarter.
The Commanders faced a tough defeat, losing 44-22 to the visiting Lions. As a result of the suspension, Payne will not participate in the upcoming game against the Miami Dolphins, scheduled to take place in Spain next Sunday.
The NFL cited that Payne”s actions violated rules against unsportsmanlike behavior, specifically mentioning “any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship.” This includes actions such as “throwing a punch, or a forearm,” as well as prohibitions against “striking, swinging at or clubbing the head or neck of an opponent with the wrist(s), arm(s), elbow(s), or hand(s).”
While Payne has the option to appeal the suspension, the Commanders find themselves in a challenging situation, having lost five consecutive games this season. With a current record of 3-7, the team will need to regroup as they prepare for the Dolphins without one of their key defensive players.
