Detroit Lions Defensive back Brian Branch was ejected from the Week 9 game against the Green Bay Packers after a helmet-to-helmet hit on a Packers wide receiver.

The hit came in the second quarter. Branch lowered his shoulder and delivered a hit to Packers receiver Bo Melton, which was clearly against the rules. However, the league office felt there was enough to eject him from the game.

Many disagreed with the call, believing that Branch’s hit was neither intentional nor malicious. Former NFL Vice President of Officiating and current FOX Sports rules analyst Dean Blandino spoke to the league for an explanation, and he got one.

“We got clarification from the league office, and it’s not a question of intent,” Blandino said. “In their opinion, they felt Branch had the ability to avoid (contact). He lowered his head, directed with the shoulder towards the head and neck area. They felt he had that option and they felt it was blatant, and that’s why they ultimately decided to eject.

Melton takes a hard hit to the helmet here. Branch is ejected for this shot #DETvsGB pic.twitter.com/avpuuL7MYY

– Rate the Refs app (@Rate_the_Refs) November 3, 2024

So, according to the explanation, Branch didn’t need to have bad intentions behind the stunt for him to be kicked out. In the league’s view, he had an opportunity to succeed and avoid the big blow to Melton’s head, but didn’t.

It’s a tough decision to make, to be completely honest. With Branch moving at such a high speed, it would take him a while to redirect and avoid him. We won’t discuss the fact that Branch was penalized, but the ejection seemed exaggerated.

Branch will almost certainly face a fine, but it will be interesting to see if the league suspends him. We don’t think that will happen.

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