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Panthers Safety Dante Wesley suspended

CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AP) - The NFL has suspended Carolina Panthers defensive back Dante Wesley one game without pay for launching himself into defenseless Tampa Bay punt returner Clifton Smith.

Wesley left his feet and hit Smith in the neck and head with his forearm and shoulder as Smith waited to field a punt Sunday. Smith sustained a concussion and both benches emptied onto the field.

Wesley was immediately ejected.

Smith had not signaled for a fair catch and Wesley said he mistimed hitting him.

Wesley is Carolina's gunner on special teams and will sit out next Sunday's game against Buffalo.

(Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

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TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - Carolina safety Dante Wesley was ejected late in the first half of Sunday's game against Tampa Bay when he launched himself into Buccaneers punt returner Clifton Smith, who had signaled for a fair catch.

The hit with 10 seconds left in the second quarter brought players from both teams off the sidelines. No penalties resulted from the pushing and shoving between the NFC South rivals.

Smith remained on the ground for a few minutes, then was helped to his feet and walked off the field.

Wesley appeared to leave his feet and hit Smith in the upper body with his left shoulder. The Panthers were penalized 15 yards.

The Bucs said at halftime that Smith had a concussion and would miss the remainder of the game.