The NFL's one-game suspension of Antonio Smith was upheld after an appeal on Friday, meaning the Houston Texans defensive end will miss the team's regular season opener, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
NFL denies Antonio Smith’s suspension appeal
The Texans defensive end will be held out for the remainder of the preseason as well as the Week 1 opener.
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Smith was suspended for the team's Week 1 matchup against the San Diego Chargers, as well as the remaining two preseason games, for swinging a helmet at the head of Miami Dolphins guard Richie Incognito during the Texans' second preseason game. Broadcast footage aired on Fox Football Daily shows Smith ripping off Incognito's helmet as the two players scuffle on the backside of a play. Smith then swings the helmet in an apparent attempt to strike Incognito, who leans back to avoid the blow.
More from Battle Red Blog: Richie Incognito's history of altercations
Smith, who was also fined $400,000, will still be allowed to practice with the team. He has since apologized for the incident, telling KRIV-TV in Houston that he let his temper get to him in the heat of the moment.
“In general, I feel disappointed, disappointed in myself that I was able to let him get to me in the way that he did that frustrated me, when knowing that that’s his whole game, that’s what he bases his skill level off of, and I let him take me down a road that led me into that path.”
Smith and Incognito have a history of bad blood. Last season, Smith was fined for kicking Incognito during the Texans’ season opener.
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