Raiders Seymour walks off the field after being ejected for slapping Steelers quarterback Roethlisberger in the second quarter of their NFL football game in Pittsburgh

 The Raiders aren’t exactly known for their peace loving ways. They have long had a reputation —perpetuated by their fans— for being a tough team.

Richard Seymour, on the other hand, is known for something else: being one of the most respected defensive players in the NFL. Until now.

In a move that Seymour claims was a natural reaction, the 310-pound defensive end slapped Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger just before halftime on Sunday.

“You always want to protect yourself, but there’s no excuse,” Seymour said. “I’m not sure why (Roethlisberger) ran up on me, I just turned around … it was a natural reaction.”

Seymour, who won three Super Bowls with the Patriots, was quickly ejected from the game and may face further punishment from the NFL for the open-handed slap to the face.

Roethlisberger was celebrating a 22-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders when he was hit.

After Seymour was escorted off the field to cheers by Steelers fans, Pittsburgh  (7-3) continued to rough up Oakland (5-5), easily winning, 35-3.

Although shunned by the league, Raiders fans may have gained a little respect for the 11-year veteran doing what some people wish they could have done: hit "Big Ben" in the face.

Don’t forget Roethlisberger was suspended for four games under the NFL’s personal conduct policy relating to sexual assault allegations earlier in the year.

To reach writer Sara Ramsey, click here.

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