Nov. 10 (UPI) -- The NFL issued a one-game suspension to Washington Commanders defensive lineman Daron Payne for punching Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, the league announced Monday.
Payne delivered the blow in the second quarter of the Commanders' 44-22 setback Sunday in Landover, Md. He was ejected after the incident, which occurred after Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs ran for a 13-yard touchdown with 9:41 remaining in the first half.
A replay showed Payne walk up to St. Brown before pulling back his right arm and delivering a punch to his helmet. Seconds later, Commanders' lineman made contact with an official after the Lions converted a two-point conversion. He was given a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
"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 NFL said in a statement.
