During the second quarter of Sunday’s game, Branch, now a Lions safety, was flagged for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Packers wide receiver Bo Melton and subsequently ejected. Following his disqualification, Branch made an obscene gesture to the crowd at Lambeau Field, displaying a middle finger with both hands, which resulted in an unsportsmanlike-conduct penalty.
Branch was fined $10,128 for the hit on a defenseless player (unnecessary roughness) and an additional $10,128 for unsportsmanlike conduct due to the gesture.
Despite the ejection, NFL rules do not impose an automatic suspension for future games, meaning Branch is eligible to play when the Lions face the Houston Texans at 7:20 p.m. CST on Sunday at NRG Stadium in Houston. The game will be broadcast on NBC.
Although Branch’s penalty was significant, it was not the largest fine issued among the 23 players disciplined for Week 9 violations.
One of the bigger fines was given to Quincy Williams, a New York Jets linebacker and Wenonah High School alum, who was fined $11,255 for unsportsmanlike conduct (taunting).
The NFL noted Williams’ incident occurred with 2:33 left in the Jets’ 21-13 win over the Texans on Oct. 31. He was not penalized during the game, though the taunt happened after Houston was called for a delay-of-game penalty.
The league’s fines are determined according to a collectively bargained schedule that outlines standard penalties, along with aggravating and mitigating factors that can influence the final amount.