NFL suspend player who punched rival in the face after Donald Trump gesture

Washington Commanders star Daron Payne has been handed a one-game suspension by the NFL following an incident where he threw a punch at Amon-Ra St. Brown during their clash with the Detroit Lions. The altercation occurred after All-Pro wide receiver St. Brown celebrated a touchdown reception at Northwest Stadium by acknowledging President Donald Trump, who was watching from a suite, and performing the President's distinctive dance move.

Defensive tackle Payne reacted furiously to the Lions star's celebration, launching a right-handed punch that connected with St. Brown's helmet. The 28-year-old was immediately sent off from the match, which saw President Trump make a guest appearance in the FOX commentary box. The first-quarter dismissal proved damaging for the Commanders, who slumped to a 44-22 defeat, leaving them with a 3-7 record for the campaign.

The punishment extends beyond the ejection, with Payne now ruled out of the Week 11 fixture in Madrid, Spain, against the Miami Dolphins.

"Washington Commanders defensive lineman Daron Payne has been suspended without pay for one game for an act of unsportsmanlike conduct during Sunday's game against the Detroit Lions," confirmed an NFL spokesman.

"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).'

"Payne will be eligible to return to the Commanders' active roster on Monday, Nov. 17, following the team's Nov. 16 game in Madrid against the Miami Dolphins.

"Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Payne may appeal the suspension. Any appeal will be heard and decided upon by either Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, or Jordy Nelson, the hearing officers jointly appointed and compensated by the NFL and NFLPA to decide appeals of on-field player discipline."

Payne's team-mate, Javon Kinlaw, claimed following the match that St. Brown had instigated the altercation during an earlier play and had thrown the first punch at Payne.

St. Brown said: "Two plays before that we got into a little scuffle, back and forth. Then we end up scoring and I go up to him. I say a little something, nothing crazy, and then he decides to swing on me."

Ex-Commanders quarterback Robert Griffin III was among those who criticised Pro Bowler Payne's behaviour. He posted on X: "As a leader of Washington's defence, Daron Payne should know better than to throw a punch on the field. He should be suspended. There is no place for this in sports."

This article first appeared on Mirror US.