Antonio Smith to appeal his suspension

Houston Texans defensive end Antonio Smith was suspended for the final two preseason games and the first game of the regular season by the NFL Tuesday afternoon.

During Houston’s game against the Miami Dolphins, Smith ripped the helmet off of Miami left guard Richie Incognito and swung it, nearly hitting Incognito in the face.

In what should come as a shock to no one, Smith is going to appeal the suspension.

According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, citing a league source, “Smith views the punishment as “way out of line,” especially since Texans believe (we’re told) that the helmet swung at Dolphins guard Richie Incognito didn’t make contact with his face.”

Florio goes on to point out Smith will lose  $352,941.17 of his base salary of $6 million if the regular-season suspension is upheld. Smith’s hearing will be heard by one of two men, either Ted Cottrell or Matt Birk. Birk, who retired after helping the Baltimore Ravens win the Super Bowl as their starting center, replaced former Oakland Raiders coach Art Shell as a hearing officer for appeals earlier this month.

Smith had seven sacks and two forced fumbles for the Texans last season.