The NFL has denied the appeal of Texans defensive end Antonio Smith, who was suspended the final two preseason games and the first regular-season game for swinging a helmet at Dolphins guard Richie Incognito, according to various reports.
A video emerged Monday showing Smith ripping off Incognito's helmet and then swinging it at Incognito, narrowly missing his head.
No flag was thrown on the play, which took place during last weekend's preseason game, but the NFL promptly looked into the matter and has handed down its verdict.
"My plan is to appeal it because that gives you the opportunity to state your case," Smith said Wednesday. "And to talk to the NFL and give them an opportunity to hear what you have to say."
The NFL listened and decided that Smith should sit until Week 2.
Saturday's incident wasn't the first run-in for Smith and Incognito. Smith was fined $11,000 for kicking Incognito during a 2012 September game.
“A dirty player being let to play dirty … Ricky Incognito,” Smith said at the time. “Everything that's illegal that can be done on the football field he does it, but mainly he was hitting people after the play, sliding down on your leg grabbing your ankle and trying to twist to break your ankle, and he was doing it right in front of the referees and he was still in the game.”
For now, Smith will be allowed to attend team meetings for the rest of the preseason but won't be allowed to practice until the suspension ends. Jared Crick and Tim Jamison will likely replace Smith in the lineup.