Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown thought he was set to head to Scotland without a hitch, but a new video paints a different picture.
St. Brown was fined $12,172 but avoided suspension for hitting Commanders defensive lineman Daron Payne during the Lions’ 44-22 victory over Washington last Sunday, as noted in various reports.
Meanwhile, Washington defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw received a fine of $28,555 for unsportsmanlike conduct linked to contact with officials during the game.
Additionally, Commanders linebacker Ale Kaho was fined $46,371 for using his helmet in the incident.
Payne was suspended for his actions against St. Brown, which occurred after the wide receiver approached the 28-year-old between plays following a Lions score that extended their lead to 22-3.
Despite protests from Payne, the NFL also prohibited him from participating in the Commanders’ Week 11 game against the Dolphins in Madrid.
However, video footage released after the game revealed St. Brown hitting Payne on the helmet just before the latter retaliated.
St. Brown discussed the altercation on his podcast, asserting he never aimed to punch Payne directly in the face.
“I was so out of line, so I punched him, and then he started saying really terrible things,” St. Brown shared. “Then I hit him again and accidentally made contact with his face. I just meant to push him, but I ended up hitting him in the face.”
Reflecting on the incident, he remarked, “At that moment, I realized I probably shouldn’t have done that. I figured there would be a flag. The referee was right there, but he didn’t throw one, so that was that.”
This season, the two-time All-Pro receiver has accumulated 693 yards and eight touchdowns in nine games, establishing himself as one of quarterback Jared Goff’s key targets.
