The league ejected Lions safety Brian Branch for an illegal hit during Sunday’s game against the Packers. On his way to the locker room, Branch sent a two-fisted, middle-fingered salute to the crowd.
Branch received a fine for both acts.
The fines matched. It was $10,128 for the illegal hit, and another $10,128 for the double-barreled gesture.
It’s odd that a safety rule would trigger the same fine as a rule against the making of certain gestures. Regardless, Branch will be out $20,256. Pending appeal.
He’ll be back on Sunday night, as the Lions face the Texans in Houston on NBC and Peacock.
