AFC South News: Houston Texans DE Antonio Smith Faces Suspension

Aug 17, 2013; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Antonio Smith (94) during the game against the Miami Dolphins at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Texans defensive end Antonio Smith involved in a skirmish? There’s nothing new about that. Tensions between Tennessee Titans offensive tackle David Stewart and Smith are well-documented. Check out this comment from Smith in last season’s Sep. 30 game between the two teams (via Houston Chronicle):

“I saw some things I’ve never seen before.. “I saw [Stewart] try to pull [Texans linebacker Brooks Reed’s] hair out, tried to ride somebody’s back, which I thought was kind of funny, actually.”

You know what else Smith thinks is funny? Using an opponent’s helmet as a mace.

For the second time in as many seasons, Smith found himself in an altercation with Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Richie Incognito. Watch this video. Smith yanks off Incognito’s helmet and aggressively swings it at his face before dropping it to the ground. No flags were thrown on the play.

In 2012, NFL peers had voted Incognito as the NFL’s second-dirtiest player. Smith was fined $11,000 because he kicked Incognito during a game. Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh was the only player who received more votes. Stewart finished fifth in that voting.

At age 31, Smith is a 10-year veteran who could face a suspension for that incident. Although earliest indications were that Smith would sit out for the last two preseason games, the NFL continues to review the incident and he may miss more time or receive a hefty fine.

How would that suspension affect the Titans? In Week 2, the Texans host the Titans. There’s a good chance that any extended suspension would force him to miss that game. Smith is coming off one of his best seasons. In 2012, Smith had 30 tackles with a career-high seven sacks and two forced fumbles. He hasn’t missed a regular-season game since 2005.

What do Titan Sized readers think about Smith? Is he dirty, a complainer or both? Does he deserve a longer suspension than two meaningless preseason games? Discuss in the comments, Twitter or Facebook.

UPDATE: Suspension extended into Week 1. Smith will return for the Titans game.