PITTSBURGH — Raiders defensive end Richard Seymour was ejected for an openhanded punch to Ben Roethlisberger’s jaw as the Steelers’ quarterback was celebrating a touchdown pass Sunday.
After completing the 22-yard throw to Emmanuel Sanders, Roethlisberger jumped into the arms of tackle Flozell Adams. Roethlisberger then began walking forward and appeared to say something to Seymour, who turned and struck the quarterback in the jaw with his open right hand.
As Roethlisberger fell to the ground, lineman Chris Kemoeatu grabbed Seymour. Both Seymour and Kemoeatu drew penalties, but only Seymour was ejected.
“I’m not sure why he ran up on me,” Seymour said.
Seymour also was ejected last Dec. 27 for hitting Browns running back Jerome Harrison after a play was over. Seymour was fined $10,000 for that infraction.
“I’ve never seen a quarterback get punched since I’ve been in this league,” Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said.
Several Raiders were certain Roethlisberger said something to Seymour.
“I heard that Big Ben said something,” defensive lineman Tommy Kelly said. “I guess Big Rich didn’t like it.”
