New York, NY – The NFL has suspended Houston Texans defensive end Antonio Smith for the 2013 regular-season opener for throwing the helmet of Miami Dolphins guard Richie Incognito at his opponent in last week's preseason game, NFL.com reported Tuesday.
Smith will also be barred from participating in Houston's final two preseason contests as a result of the incident, which occurred during the second quarter of the Texans' 24-17 win over the Dolphins on Saturday. Smith ripped the helmet off Incognito as the two were engaged in a play, then fired it back at the Miami lineman nearly hitting him.
The eight-year veteran will be able to appeal the penalty. If his plea is denied, Smith will miss Houston's Week 1 matchup against San Diego on Sept. 8.
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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