The Washington Commanders' defense was dealt a devastating blow in the first half of the Week 10 game against the Detroit Lions when defensive lineman Daron Payne was ejected from the contest.
Payne was ejected from the game after a play in the second quarter when he was flagged for unnecessary roughness following his throwing and landing a punch on Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
At the time of the ejection, the Commanders were trailing 22-3, so frustrations were clearly boiling over. Washington went on to lose the contest, 44-22.
Here's a look at video of the punch that got Payne ejected from the game.
Daron Payne just PUNCHED Amon Ra St Brown 👀
— Novo (@NovoHeat) November 9, 2025
pic.twitter.com/mWqaiIafjq
So, what led to Payne throwing the punch that got him kicked out of the game? Here's what we know.
Why did Daron Payne punch Amon-Ra St. Brown?
According to ESPN's John Keim, Commanders defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw said St. Brown hit Payne first, not the other way around.
"Javon Kinlaw was upset because he said Amon-Ra St. Brown hit Daron Payne first. Payne retaliated," Keim reported.
Kinlaw went on to call the ejection "some b*******."
There is no video available yet that proves St. Brown hit Payne first, so we can't verify his claim.
Nevertheless, Payne's action was inexcusable and was worthy of ejection.
Now, it'll be interesting to see if Payne gets suspended for doing what he did. We do know he's definitely going to be facing a fine.
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