The Detroit Lions irritated Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne to the point that the veteran defender took a swing at wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown late in Sunday's game. It appeared to be a shot out of thin air, perhaps born of frustration or simply due to the inability of the Commanders to make contact with Lions playmakers between the whistles. Regardless, it ended predictably with Payne being suspended for a game due to taking a swing at the receiver.
However, 106.7 The Fan's Grant Paulson shared a clip that Payne posted to his Instagram that tells a very different story of what happened ahead of Payne's punch. As the Commanders are going back to the huddle, St. Brown and Payne collide, with the Detroit WR taking exception to the collision and reaching out and hitting Payne first. This was followed by the punch that was far more aggressive and unquestionably earned a suspension.
There is no way to excuse Payne's actions or explanation that excuses winding up and taking a swing at the receiver. At the same time, St. Brown could be in trouble after his own actions have come to light. With the league coming in so strongly against Payne, it is hard to imagine there won't be some level of fallout for the Lions' playmaker.
Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown Might Not Be Innocent in Daron Payne Drama
It is important to note that Payne ran into St. Brown, causing the latter to reach out and hit the defender. This wasn't a situation that was completely initiated by St. Brown, and Payne took things way too far, hinting that the Lions' star might be likelier to receive a fine rather than a suspension.
There simply isn't enough forcible contact or clear intent for the league to consider suspending the receiver. It should also be mentioned that Detroit is getting ready for Sunday Night Football against the Philadelphia Eagles in a huge NFC showdown. From the league's perspective, there is zero chance you want this to bleed into your featured game of the week, meaning a quick hit to St. Brown's checkbook might be the easiest course of action.
Still, it does seem that Payne has made enough noise to put St. Brown back on the league's radar. Regardless of what the fallout might be, the Lions will have to deal with it, much like they did when safety Brian Branch was suspended for a game earlier this season.
The often-intense Lions play with a chip on their shoulder and won't take anything they deem to be over the line. St. Brown took exception to being run into by Payne, and if he has to pay the price, so be it. The Lions won't let it derail their season, especially if head coach Dan Campbell can turn the situation into a learning opportunity across the board.