Houston Texans DE Antonio Smith to be suspended by NFL
By Mike Dyce
Houston Texans defensive end Antonio Smith has found himself in hot water after FOX Sport’s Jay Glazer released a video of him using his helmet as a weapon, and swinging it Miami Dolphins offensive lineman Richie Incognito. Smith narrowly missed Incognito’s head.
You can see the video here.
ESPN is now reporting that a suspension from the NFL could follow:
"The NFL is expected to suspend Houston Texans defensive end Antonio Smith for up to two preseason games for using a helmet as a weapon against Miami Dolphins guard Richie Incognito, a source told ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter."
“Next question,” Smith said, declining to talk to reporters after the game.
“I kind of took a blow to the head. I can’t remember,” Smith did say however, making an excuse for himself.
Smith and Incognito have a history. Last season the NFL fined Antonio Smith $21,000 for kicking Incognito. Smith appealed claiming only to retaliate to Incognito intentionally twisting his ankle. That fine was reduced eventually to $11,000.
This adds a darker chapter to the ongoing feud between the two lineman and makes for a glaring display of poor sportsmanship. Suspending a player for two meaningless preseason games seems to be a hollow gesture. The games don’t count for anything so there isn’t really a punishment for missing them.