Houston Texans general manager Rick Smith has vowed to support defensive end Antonio Smith through his appeal process against a three-game ban.
Smith was handed the ban after appearing to swing a helmet towards Miami Dolphins guard Richie Incognito during a pre-season match last week.
The 31-year-old quickly signalled his intention to appeal the ban which, if it stands, will see him miss the Texans' final two pre-season games and their first match of the regular season.
Smith admitted that his side were disappointed by Smith's actions, but vowed to stick by his player and believes that they have a strong case for the appeal.
"Obviously we're disappointed. I think he's as disappointed as anybody because he lost his composure," Smith is quoted as saying by ESPN.
"That's something [coach] Gary [Kubiak] talks to our team about all the time. That's the first thing. Obviously that's something that we can't have in our game.
"Secondly I think there's an appeal process that has to take place. Certainly we will support Antonio in that effort and actually participate in that as well. I certainly believe they will consider. They'll listen, they'll give us some fair opportunities to give our side. I think we've got a legitimate case to present and hopefully they hear us."
Meanwhile, the Texans were handed some good news today when running back Arian Foster was deemed fit enough to be removed from the physically unable to perform list.
Barney Corkhill
