In a thrilling 34-31 victory over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, the Detroit Lions further solidified their NFC North Division lead.
However, the win wasn’t without controversy, as Lions defensive player Za’Darius Smith was fined $6,722 for a hit to the head of Packers quarterback Jordan Love.
Though no penalty was called during the game, the NFL still decided to penalize Smith for the hit, which was deemed illegal under league rules regarding player safety.
The incident occurred during the second quarter of the game, when Smith collided with Love. Despite the lack of a flag, the NFL reviewed the play and issued a fine.
This was particularly notable as Smith had previously spent three seasons with the Packers before joining the Lions, adding an ironic twist to the situation.
While the fine was a point of contention, the game itself was a hard-fought battle, and the Lions continue to impress this season, now boasting a 12-1 record—the best in the NFL.
This marks their second consecutive year securing a playoff spot, signaling the team’s continued success under head coach Dan Campbell.
However, the game was not only notable for the fine against Smith.
A pre-game incident involving a Lions season ticket holder and Packers head coach Matt LaFleur also attracted attention.
LaFleur described the fan’s behavior as unsportsmanlike, claiming the individual made threats and gestures toward Packers players before approaching him. The fan was later banned from attending Lions games indefinitely.
Looking ahead, the Lions will face the Buffalo Bills next at home in Ford Field, with their impressive record on the line.
Despite the fine and the fan incident, Detroit remains focused on securing a strong playoff position as they continue to build on a successful season.