Lions’ Brian Branch Fined for Illegal Hit, Middle Finger Gesture to Fans vs. Packers

The on-field actions of Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch have made a negative impact on his wallet.

Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported that the NFL has fined Branch $20,256 for his hit on Green Bay Packers wide receiver Bo Melton and his gesture that saw him flip off Packers fans with both of his hands.

He was ejected from the game following the hit and made the obscene gesture as he was exiting the field.

Following the game, Branch acknowledged that he agreed with the referee’s call and issued an apology for the incident with the fans.

“That’s not something I wanted to show or want people to notice me as that,” Branch said, per Eric Woodyard of ESPN. “That was just the heat of the moment for me, and I apologize to everyone who seen that and that won’t happen again.”

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While Branch will take a hit to his bank account, he was not suspended for his actions and will be available for the Lions’ Week 10 matchup against the Houston Texans.

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Branch is in his second NFL season and has been a major contributor to a stout Lions defense. He has played in seven games, recording 40 tackles, 11 pass deflections, four interceptions and a forced fumble.

Detroit is currently 7-1 and sits in first place in the NFC North. Sunday’s game against the Texans is scheduled to kick off at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC.