Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch has been fined by the NFL for the second week in a row, this time for a hip-drop tackle on Houston Texans wide receiver Robert Woods.
The fine, totaling $10,128, was announced just a day before the Lions’ Week 11 game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The tackle occurred late in the third quarter of last Sunday’s primetime matchup, with 20 seconds left on the clock and the Lions trailing 23-13.
This marks Branch’s third fine of $10,000 in a span of just over two weeks. His previous two fines came during the Lions’ Week 9 victory over the Green Bay Packers.
The first fine was for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Packers receiver Bo Melton, which resulted in Branch being ejected from the game.
The second fine was issued for flipping off Packers fans as he left the field after the game.
In total, Branch has been fined five times this season, amounting to $50,640.
His first two fines came in the Week 3 win over the Arizona Cardinals for fighting and illegal use of his helmet.
Despite the mounting fines, Branch has been a standout performer for the Lions.
The second-year player from Alabama is tied for second in the NFL with four interceptions, alongside top defensive backs such as Marlon Humphrey of the Ravens and Byron Murphy Jr. of the Vikings.
Through nine games, Branch has totaled 50 tackles (38 solo), 13 pass deflections, and one forced fumble.
While his disciplinary issues continue to make headlines, Branch remains an important asset on the field for Detroit’s defense.