Jake Leonard 
IMAGE COURTESY OF XFL/FX
Two D.C. Defenders players and one St. Louis Battlehawks player have been suspended by the XFL in relation to Sunday’s late-game brawl.
XFL President Russ Brandon issued suspensions and fines for violation of player safety rules late in Sunday’s match between the Battlehawks and Defenders.
Defenders linebacker Francis Bernard and Battlehawks offensive tackle Jaryd Jones-Smith will be out of action for two weeks, while Defenders defensive tackle Gabe Wright will not be suiting up Sunday in their Week 4 matchup against the Las Vegas Vipers. Bernard and Jones-Smith will be eligible to return to the field, barring any potential appeals, in their respective Week 6 games.
Bernard, Jones-Smith, and Wright were the primary individuals identified from their involvement in the on-field altercation that led to both teams clearing the sidelines.
During the suspension, the players are prohibited from practicing with the team. However, they can still attend team meetings, workouts, and meals.
Brandon has indicated that further violations of the rules or other league policies may lead to more severe disciplinary action, up to and including termination from the team and potentially blackballed from the league.
Three Defenders players and a defensive line coach were assessed fines. They are cornerback Anthoula Kelly, linebacker Jamal Brooks, Rod Taylor, and Coach Jeremy Watkins.
In a similar fashion, three Battlehawks players and a coach were also assessed fines. They include defensive back Nate Meadors, linebacker Travis Feeney, running back Brian Hill, and tight ends/special teams coach Tory Woodbury.
