Houston Texans defensive end Antonio Smith showed Saturday why his nickname is "The Ninja Assassin."
During Saturday's preseason game between the Texans and the Miami Dolphins, Smith was entangled in a battle for positioning with Dolphins lineman Richie Incognito which resulted in Incognito grabbing Smith's facemask. In retaliation, Smith ripped off Incognito's helmet and took a violent swing at him with it.
The video, courtesy of YouTube can be seen below. The play happens in the top right part of the screen.
The NFL is expected to announce a two-game suspension for Smith Tuesday, according to ESPN. The suspension will reportedly be served during Houston's last two remaining preseason games.
Houston (2-0) eventually defeated the Miami 24-17 in the preseason match-up at Reliant Stadium, and will now go on to face the New Orleans Saints at home Sunday while Miami (1-2) will tangle with the Buccaneers Saturday.
Smith wasn't necessarily eager to talk about the drama after the game.
Next question," Smith said when reporters asked him about the incident after the game, according to ESPN. "I kind of took a blow to the head. I can't remember."
Whether or not he remembers that particular incident, there is a history between Smith and Incognito.
Smith endured a fine of $11,000 last season for kicking Incognito in retaliation to the guard apparently intentionally twisting Smith's ankle during a play. The fine was originally set at $21,000, but was knocked down due to an appeal by Smith.
The Texans are coming off of a season where the team was a franchise-best 12-4 and won the AFC South while the Dolphins are coming off a second place finish in the AFC East in 2012 with a 7-9 record.
The suspension, if proven to be accurate at two games, will keep Smith sidelined for the game against the Saints next week and the last preseason tune-up in Dallas against the Cowboys Aug. 29. Smith should be back by the time Houston opens the regular season Sept. 9 against the Chargers in San Diego on the regular-season's inaugural Monday Night Football telecast.
Smith, entering his fifth year with Houston, had seven sacks and 24 tackles last season.
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