Texans DE Smith says he will appeal suspension for attack with helmet

HOUSTON, Aug. 21 (UPI) -- Houston Texans defensive end Antonio Smith has apologized for attacking an opposing player but says he will appeal a three-game suspension for the attack.

Smith apologized to the team and the city of Houston, KRIV-TV, Houston, reported Tuesday.

The National Football League told Smith he couldn't play the final two pre-season games and the first regular-season game, after he pulled off the helmet of Miami Dolphins guard Richie Incognito Saturday and hit him with it.

Smith said he planned to appeal the suspension "because it gives you the opportunity to state your case."

He said he was not trying to hit Incognito with the helmet.

"I just swung the helmet out of frustration," he said.

Incognito started the confrontation by punching him in the face mask, Smith said.

"I apologize to the city of Houston and my team for getting put in the situation that we are put in right now," Smith said, adding the suspension "hurts my team and in hurting my team it hurts the city of Houston."