New York, NY – Houston Texans defensive end Antonio Smith's appeal of his suspension was denied by the league.
NFL.com reported the news Friday, citing a source apprised of the decision.
Smith will be suspended for the final two preseason games and one regular- season game for ripping off Richie Incognito's helmet and nearly striking the Miami Dolphins offensive lineman with it during a preseason game.
The 31-year-old Smith will miss Houston's Week 1 matchup against San Diego on Sept. 9.
Smith and Incognito have a prior history of bad blood, with the former receiving a $21,000 fine that was later reduced to $11,000 by the league for kicking Incognito in last year's season opener. Smith later said the outburst was in retaliation for Incognito, who has a reputation for over-agressive play, attempting to deliberately injure him by twisting his ankle.
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