By Sunday 
What was supposed to be a fun, cheeky touchdown moment turned into an unexpected bit of chaos on Sunday — and it all started with Amon-Ra St. Brown showing off some moves for President Donald Trump.
The Detroit Lions star wide receiver had just scored late in the first quarter against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. As fans roared, St. Brown broke into what’s now famously known as the “Trump Dance” — with the president himself watching from the stands.
It was a wild, headline-ready moment even before things got ugly.
Tension Boils Over
Apparently, not everyone on the field was amused. By the time Detroit took the field again early in the second quarter, tempers had simmered into something more explosive.
Out of nowhere, Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne threw a punch straight at St. Brown’s face. Cameras caught it in real-time — a jaw-dropping haymaker that left fans stunned and teammates charging in.
There didn’t seem to be much of a build-up. Maybe some trash talk. Maybe lingering frustration from the touchdown celebration. But nothing that screamed “incoming right hook.”
Needless to say, Payne was ejected immediately, and the Commanders’ sideline looked just as bewildered as everyone else.
Collateral Damage and Lions’ Revenge
If the goal was to shake the Lions up, it didn’t work. Detroit regrouped fast, putting up more points and running away with a 44-22 win.
Meanwhile, Payne’s frustration ended up costing his team — and earned him a long walk to the locker room. To make matters worse for Washington, defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw also caught a penalty later for tapping an official, capping off what might’ve been one of the team’s most undisciplined quarters all season.
As for St. Brown? He walked away with the last laugh: five catches, 58 yards, a touchdown, and a story that will probably live in highlight reels for weeks.
The Takeaway
Football has always been emotional, but this one went from politics to punches in record time. St. Brown may have sparked it with his cheeky Trump tribute, but Payne took it somewhere no one expected.
And for the Lions — well, they just added another wild chapter to what’s already been one of their most entertaining seasons.