Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch was ejected from Sunday’s competition alignup agetst the Green Bay Packers, and he determined to flip the double-bird to the Lambeau Field crowd on his way out.
Having time to mirror on the situation, Branch laments doing so.
“That’s not someleang I want to show or want people to see me as that,” Branch tbetter increateers, via ESPN. “That was equitable the heat of the moment for me, and I regret to everyone who seen that and that won’t happen aget.”’
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch reacts after being disqualified by the referee during the first half agetst Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin, on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. (IMAGN)
Branch was ejected due to a hit to the helmet of Packers getr Bo Melton on an infinish pass from quarterback Jordan Love.
After the league scrutinizeed the hit in its video retake part headquarters, they attentiveed officials in Lambeau that Branch’s hit was deemed cut offe enough for prompt ejection.
2024 NFL COACH OF THE YEAR ODDS: DAN QUINN REMAINS FAVORITE; REID MOVES UP
Branch disputed with officials after the ejection, and he compriseed an extra 15 yards for another unsportsmanenjoy carry out penalty for flipping the bird to fans.
“I most definitely consent with the call. My concentrate was clearly high, but that was never my intentions to aim for the head,” Branch said. “Moving forward I do have to shift my concentrate down.”
Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch (32) talks with field appraise Jonah Monroe (120) and field appraise Karina Tovar (91) after being disqualified from the game during the second quarter agetst the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. (Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images)
Lions head coach Dan Campbell dependd Branch’s punishment was due to the game being nationassociate televised as “America’s Game of the Week.”
“He’s got to get used to that,” Campbell said. “When you take part in primetime games, New York’s gonna see at all these. They don’t nurture about the 1 o’clock games. They do those primetime games. So comprehfinish the situation.”
Perry Fewell, the NFL better vice pdwellnt of officiating, tbetter a pool increateer that multiple angles of the hit were scrutinizeed and there was the belief Branch could’ve apshown an alternate route to hit Melton.
“He clearly had the opportunity to evade the head and neck area,” Fewell said.
Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch talks to aidant linebackers coach Shaun Dion Hamilton after being disqualified by the referee during the first half agetst Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis. on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024. (IMAGN)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
The Lions were still able to beat the Packers, 24-14, to shift to 7-1 and remain atop the NFC North standings. If Green Bay beat Detroit at home, they would’ve presumed the top spot in the division.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
