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The NFL has announced the denial of Houston Texans defensive end Antonio Smith's suspension appeal. Smith was suspended by the league from the Texans' final two preseason games, as well as their season opener in Week 1 against the San Diego Chargers on Monday Night Football.
Smith was suspended for swing a helmet at Miami Dolphins guard Richie Incognito's head. On the play, Smith was blocked by Incognito, then ripped the Pro Bowl guard's helmet from his head and swung it back at Incognito. Luckily, the helmet did not connect.
Somehow, no flag was thrown on the play.
Smith and Incognito have a history, as well. In the 2012 regular season opener, Smith alleged Incognito had tried to break his ankle on a play. Video evidence showed Incognito laying on Smith's leg, while Smith kicked Incognito in the head. Incognito admitted he held Smith, and should have been flagged for that, but said he was not trying to injure Smith, and was only moving around becase he was trying to avoid being kicked. Smith was fined $21,000 for the kicks, which was dropped to $11,000 on appeal.
The two also had various incidents when they were both in the NFC West, Smith with the Arizona Cardinals and Incognito with the St. Louis Rams.
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