2 hours ago
9
A pair of Washington Commanders defensive tackles lost their heads in moments of madness that led to one ejection and one major penalty.
After the Commanders defense gave up a touchdown run to Detroit running back Jahmyr Gibbs, the frustrated Washington players lashed out.
Commanders defensive tackle, Daron Payne senselessly slapped Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown in the face - seemingly unprovoked - leading to players on both teams clashing.
As Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff was face-to-face with a Washington counterpart, defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw was standing nearby.
Umpire Brandon Cruse was holding Kinlaw at arms-length to separate him from the others.
Cruse then appeared to lightly shove Kinlaw back away from Goff, leading Kinlaw to retaliate.
Commanders star Daron Payne (L) smacked Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown after a score
Moments later, Javon Kinlaw shoved an official and was hit with a 15-yard penalty
Kinlaw shoved Cruse back - with his hand extending and hitting Cruse on his hat.
While Payne was ejected for his senseless slap, Kinlaw was hit with a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.
After the game, Kinlaw said he was doing what he could to 'protect the team'. When asked if he saw St. Brown hit Payne, Kinlaw told reporters, 'Yeah for sure, and they [officials] did too. S*** was some bulls***, one-hundred percent.'
The Commanders fell to a 22-3 deficit on that run and couldn't recover - losing the game 44-22.
Washington (3-7) was paid a visit by President Donald Trump - who flew over the stadium in Air Force One before sitting next to team owner Josh Harris.
Trump was loudly booed twice by Commanders fans in the Capitol City amidst a long-running government shutdown.
The Commanders will hope to rebound next week when they travel to Europe to play the Miami Dolphins in Madrid, Spain.
