Lions' Brian Branch Ejected For Dangerous Hit On Packers' Bo Melton
Branch's hit was ruled to be a flagrant foul
Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch was ejected from Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers after he delivered a dangerous hit on Packers receiver Bo Melton.
The hit occurred in the second quarter with the Lions leading 14-7. Melton was running a route across the middle of the field when Branch came up and hit him high with his shoulder. Melton was knocked unconscious on the play and had to be carted off the field.
The hit was immediately ruled to be a flagrant foul by the officials, and Branch was ejected from the game. He will now face a fine and potential suspension from the NFL.
Branch's hit was met with widespread criticism
Branch's hit was met with widespread criticism from fans, players, and coaches. Many people felt that the hit was unnecessary and dangerous, and that Branch should have been ejected from the game.
The Packers' head coach, Matt LaFleur, said that he was "disappointed" by Branch's hit.
"That's not the kind of football that we want to see," LaFleur said. "We want to play a clean game and we want to keep our players safe."
The NFL's vice president of football operations, Troy Vincent, said that the league will review Branch's hit and determine whether or not to suspend him.
"We will look at the play and make a decision," Vincent said. "We will take into account all of the factors, including the severity of the hit and the player's history."
Branch apologized for his hit
After the game, Branch apologized for his hit on Melton.
"I'm sorry for the hit," Branch said. "I didn't mean to hurt him. I was just trying to make a play."
Branch said that he spoke to Melton after the game and apologized to him in person.
"I told him that I was sorry," Branch said. "I hope that he's okay."