Short answer: Daron Payne punched Amon-Ra St. Brown during a game, which led to his ejection and a one-game NFL suspension. Details and context:
- Incident: Payne was ejected in the second quarter after delivering a punch to Amon-Ra St. Brown following a Lions touchdown, an action the officials deemed a disqualifying foul for unsportsmanlike conduct and assault-type contact. This is summarized as punching or striking an opponent in a manner contrary to sportsmanship rules. The sequence was sparked by a scuffle earlier in the game, and the punch occurred as players were returning to the sideline after Detroit’s score. The league later confirmed the suspension citing Rule 12 and related sportsmanship/striking provisions [sources recounting the event and the league’s ruling].
- NFL disciplinary outcome: The NFL issued a one-game suspension to Payne for the act, with an opportunity to appeal. The suspension would cause Payne to miss the following game (notably a matchup against the Miami Dolphins in Spain, depending on the schedule). Public reactions and reporting indicated some dispute over who initiated contact, but the league’s determination centered on Payne’s punches being unexcused contact and a violation of on-field conduct rules [sources covering the suspension decision and reasoning].
- Reactions and notes: Some media and fans discussed whether St. Brown threw a punch first, but official league action focused on Payne’s on-field action and the resulting ejection. Remarks from analysts and teammates varied, but the NFL’s ruling stands as the formal consequence. St. Brown himself did not receive discipline from the league in this incident [coverage noting the aftermath and absence of discipline for St. Brown].
If you’d like, I can pull up the exact league rule references and provide a concise timeline of events from kickoff to the suspension with direct quotes from the NFL statement.
