Monday, November 10th, 2025

COMMANDERS’ PAYNE SUSPENDED FOR PUNCH

Neil Dutton

COMMANDERS’ PAYNE SUSPENDED FOR PUNCH

Neil Dutton NFL

There was yet more bad news for the Washington Commanders following their heavy loss to the Detroit Lions on Sunday, with a further disciplinary issue hitting the team.

Just a week after Frankie Luvu copped a one-match ban — later reduced to a heavy fine that allowed him to play against Detroit — defensive tackle Daron 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’s rash action, especially as St. Brown was still wearing his helmet at the time the blow was delivered, came shortly after the Lions receiver celebrated a touchdown by pointing to president Donald Trump — who was a guest at the game — and mimicking his much-meme’d dance moves. Payne’s punch, which was caught on camera, has been met with a one-game suspension, without pay, meaning he will miss the Commanders match against the Miami Dolphins in Madrid this coming Sunday, before being eligible to return to the active roster on Monday 17th November.

As usual, 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.

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