Commanders player's suspension is at the center of a new controversy
Issues seem to keep finding the Washington Commanders this season. Between a string of injuries that have hindered their progress and a series of suspensions, the team can’t seem to catch a break.
Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu faced a suspension for repeated hip-drop tackles, which was later reduced to a fine after his appeal. Then, during Sunday’s game against the Detroit Lions, defensive tackle Daron Payne was ejected after throwing a punch at Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
Payne’s Side
After the game, teammate Javon Kinlaw insisted that the wide receiver struck Payne first. Payne later posted a video appearing to show St. Brown throwing the initial punch. Now, St. Brown is speaking out and sharing his side of the story.
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St. Brown Explains How It Started
On a recent episode of his St. Brown Podcast, the star wide receiver explained that the confrontation began two plays before Payne threw the punch.
“Two plays before that I’m blocking, um, I believe it was number 20,” said St. Brown, referring to Commanders safety Quan Martin.
“He is lowkey driving me, he got me, he got under me, and he’s driving me back into the pile,” he continued. “The play is kind of dead and he drives me down. I mean good play by him.”
Things Escalate Between St. Brown and Payne
As St. Brown continued, he said that was when things started to go wrong. “I get up and he’s talking to me, whatever, I wasn’t even saying much and Payne comes out and bumps me,” according to St. Brown.
The bump from Payne left St. Brown confused. “I’m like what the f**k?” he said. St. Brown admitted that after that, he hit Payne and that Payne started talking trash. “Then I hit him again, I accidentally hit him in the face,” St. Brown admitted. “I didn’t mean to jab him in the face, I just meant to push him off and I so happen to hit him in the face.”
Officials appeared to miss the initial exchange, as no flag was thrown on St. Brown. Payne’s retaliation, however, drew a penalty resulting in his ejection and a subsequent suspension.
St. Brown Owns Up, But Payne Still Suspended
St. Brown acknowledged his role in the altercation. “At that point I was like I shouldn’t have done that. Probably a flag, the ref was standing right there, he didn’t throw the flag, so that’s that.”
What St. Brown didn’t anticipate was Payne’s response two plays later. Despite the release of video footage and now with St. Brown’s own account of events, Payne’s appeal was denied. As a result, he will remain suspended and is ineligible to suit up against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday.
Saints prized acquisition continues to disappoint despite more opportunities
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Devaughn Vele led the team’s receiving corps with the most snaps in their 17-7 victory over the Carolina Panthers. Despite being the primary presence on the field, Vele saw limited action in the passing game, finishing the afternoon with just one catch for 15 yards.
Following the Saints trade of Rasheed Shaheed to the Seattle Seahawks, many expected Vele to take on a larger role and become more involved in the offense moving forward. However, while the Saints receiving corps had their best performance on the season, Vele had very little to do with it, struggling to make an impact despite leading the group in snaps.
Vele hasn’t been a big part of the Saints offense this season, only recording 6 catches for 54 yards and a touchdown. He has only participated in 129 passing snaps and doesn’t qualify for a PFF grade due to the lack of snaps.
Saints look for Devaughn Vele to rediscover his Denver form
Kellen Moore said Vele would become more used in the offense after the Shaheed trade. It's only one week, but that only seems to be half true. Vele was a heavy part of the offense, but not how it was expected. He saw a lot of snaps, but Vele still wasn't used like the big bodied receiver people have clamored for. Most importantly, Vele was rarely targeted despite being on the field for every pass play.
The Saints acquired Vele in a trade from the Denver Broncos back in August of 2025, sending a 2026 4th round pick and a 2027 7th round pick in return. The Saints brought him in to add a big body receiver that could make contested catches to a team that lacked one. The front office saw great value in his contract and potential, after having a promising rookie season with 41 catches for 475 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Despite limited production in his opportunities during week 10, his snap count is expected to remain high, and his numbers should gradually increase as the second year receiver looks to recapture his form that he showcased in Denver last season. This weeks bye week can help him reset, build stronger chemistry with the offense, and set himself up for a bigger impact down the stretch.
