NFL Star Takes Action After Punching Opponent for ‘Donald Trump Gesture’

Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne has taken action after receiving a one-game ban for punching an opponent.

The Commanders suffered their seventh defeat of the season on Sunday, losing 44-22 to the Detroit Lions.

After another game in which their defense struggled to cope, head coach Dan Quinn announced that he will take over play-calling duties.

However, the moment that caught most fans' attention on Sunday was not a play, it was Payne's punch.

With speculation surrounding the name of the Commanders' new stadium, President Donald Trump was in attendance.

Knowing that Trump was at the game, Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown celebrated a touchdown by doing Trump's signature dance in front of the box.

Although Trump was not in the box at the time, Payne did not take kindly to the celebration and punched St. Brown in the helmet.

Payne was immediately ejected from the field and handed a one-game suspension by the NFL.

However, ESPN's John Keim reported on X that Payne will appeal the decision.

He wrote: "Daron Payne will appeal his suspension.

"He can't travel unless he wins the suspension. WR Terry McLaurin will travel to Spain, but will not play."

The Commanders' next game will be held at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu, the home of Spanish football giants Real Madrid.

Will Daron Payne's suspension be lifted?

It is hard to say, but based on precedent, it appears unlikely.

As reported by NBC, Brian Branch's one-game suspension for hitting JuJu Smith-Schuster in Week 5 was upheld.

Daron Payne just randomly punching Amon Ra St Brown is sending me 😭 pic.twitter.com/Yr3OsTeIcF

— NFL Memes (@NFLHateMemes) November 9, 2025

The same happened with Dre Greenlaw's ban for his behaviour towards a referee during the Broncos' shock win over the New York Giants in Week 7.

Greenlaw had chased after the referee Brad Allen, before shouting and yelling at the official.

However, Payne may take encouragement from the case of Frankie Luvu, whose one-game suspension was reduced to a $100,000 fine.

Luvu's punishment came after his third hip-drop tackle of the season, a move the NFL has been cracking down on due to its injury risk.

Ultimately, the decision on Payne's suspension will be heard by one of three hearing officers, who are hired and paid for by the NFL and the NFL Players Association.

It has already been a costly mistake for Payne, who was ejected in the second quarter of Sunday's defeat.

Not only was he unable to help his team, but his suspension means he is set lose around $1 million of his $19.56 million.