Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch has been fined $11,598 by the NFL for a low block he committed during the team’s Week 3 victory over the Baltimore Ravens.
Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch has been fined $11,598 by the NFL for a low block he committed during the team’s Week 3 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. This latest fine is Branch’s third of the season and 13th of his three-year career, continuing a pattern that has drawn significant attention.
Details of the Fine
– Low Block Penalty: The fine stems from a play in the fourth quarter of the Lions’ 38-30 win over the Ravens, where Branch’s block resulted in a 15-yard penalty.
– Unnecessary Roughness: Branch’s penalty fell under unnecessary roughness, a category that carries a fine of $11,598.
– Controversy: Some observers, including ESPN Football Rules Analyst Russell Yurk, questioned the call, arguing that Branch appeared to trip rather than attempt an illegal block ¹ ².
Brian Branch’s History with Fines
– 13 Fines in 3 Seasons: Branch has been fined a total of 13 times in his three-year career, with the highest figure for any Lions player over that span.
– $118,391 in Fines: Branch’s fines have totaled $118,391, with $70,896 of that coming from seven fines in 2024 alone.
– Most-Fined Player in 2024: Branch was the most-fined player in the NFL in 2024, with fines ranging from $10,128 for infractions like obscene gestures and taunting to $11,598 for more severe penalties ¹ ³.
Impact on the Lions
– Upcoming Game: The fine comes ahead of the Lions’ Week 4 matchup against the Cleveland Browns, a game that promises to be intense and crucial for both teams.
– Branch’s Role: Despite his history of fines, Branch remains a crucial part of the Lions’ defense, and his performance will be vital in the team’s upcoming games ⁴.
Other Notable Mentions
– Amon-Ra St. Brown’s Celebration: Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown avoided a fine for his expletive-laden celebration after scoring a touchdown against the Ravens. He later apologized for the incident during an ESPN interview ¹.