The NFL has suspended Carolina Panthers defensive back Dante Wesley one game without pay after his dirty hit on Tampa Bay punt returner Clifton Smith.
Wesley launched himself off the ground and hit Smith in the chest and head with his forearm and shoulder as Smith waited to field a punt on Sunday. Smith was knocked unconscious and sustained a concussion from the hit and both benches emptied onto the field. Wesley was ejected from the game.
Smith had not signaled a fair catch and Wesley blamed the hit on mistiming.
Wesley will sit out next Sunday’s game against Buffalo.
View video of Wesley’s hit on Smith below:
