Tempers boiled over during the Detroit Lions’ dominant win over the Washington Commanders, but one moment late in the game has fans and analysts demanding answers. A Commanders star appeared to punch a referee in the chaos — and somehow avoided ejection.
The shocking moment came during a scuffle between players following a late hit. As officials tried to separate the teams, cameras caught the Commanders player swinging his arm and making contact with a referee’s chest. The official appeared stunned but did not immediately throw a flag or stop the game.
Fans watching from home and in the stadium erupted in disbelief. Social media quickly exploded with replays, slow-motion clips, and fiery debates about how such an act could go unpunished. “If a Lions player did that, he’d be gone in seconds,” one fan posted on X (formerly Twitter).
Even Lions head coach Dan Campbell seemed baffled afterward, though he avoided direct criticism of officiating. “We just play through it. That’s what we do,” Campbell said in his postgame presser — his tone calm, but his expression said plenty.
The NFL has not yet issued a statement, but insiders expect the league office to review the footage and potentially hand down a fine or suspension. Still, the lack of an in-game penalty left many questioning the consistency of officiating and player accountability.
The Lions, meanwhile, walked away with a statement victory — but the controversy surrounding Washington’s outburst could linger far beyond Week 10. Between missed calls, high tensions, and explosive reactions, this matchup might end up being remembered more for its chaos than its scoreboard.
Commanders Star Caught Punching Referee — Somehow Avoids Ejection in Lions Loss
