The NFL has issued a one-game suspension without pay to Washington Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne following his ejection in Sunday’s matchup against the Detroit Lions. Payne was tossed from the game after striking Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, an act that drew an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty.

Payne, who served as a team captain for the contest, will miss next week’s game unless he files an appeal that results in the suspension being reduced to a monetary fine.

After the game, fellow defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw defended his teammate, claiming Payne was provoked during a sequence leading up to Detroit’s touchdown. “It was some bullshit,” Kinlaw said, criticizing officials for failing to intervene earlier. Kinlaw himself was penalized later for an unsportsmanlike act following the Lions’ successful two-point conversion.

St. Brown described the exchange afterward, explaining that he and Payne had been involved in a minor altercation two plays before the ejection. After scoring, St. Brown said he exchanged a few words with Payne, who then struck him in front of officials, prompting an immediate disqualification.