Why was Brian Branch ejected from the Lions vs Packers game?

In the second quarter of the Detroit Lions' Game against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday, something you don’t see very often in the NFL happened - Lions defensive back Brian Branch was ejected from the Game.

Follow along with our live updates of the Packers vs Lions game.

The hit that got Branch ejected

Packers quarterback Jordan Love had just sent a pass to wide receiver Bo Melton, and Branch made a late hit on him with a brutal helmet-to-helmet.

Branch was given a penalty for Helmet-to-Helmet, but further review ruled it UnSportsmanlike Conduct for 15 yards against Detroit.

It was quickly revealed that Branch would be disqualified for the rest of the game following the hit.

As the announcers Tom Brady and Kevin Burkhardt mention, the decision came from New York. Brady says he disagrees with the call, as an ejection means there was serious intent behind the hit, whereas he saw it as a normal outcome of a physical game in which a penalty for the hit should have been sufficient. Considering the outrage on social media, it seems most people agree. As it stands, the Lions are playing the rest of this game without one of their best defenders.

What does the NFL rulebook say about player ejections?

In the NFL rulebook, Rule 12 (Player Conduct), Section 2 (Personal Fouls), Article 8 (Unnecessary Roughness), it states:

“It is a foul if a player initiates unnecessary contact against a player who is in a defenseless posture. A player who initiates contact against a defenseless opponent is responsible for avoiding an illegal act. A standard of strict liability applies for any contact against an opponent, even if his body position is in motion, and irrespective of any acts by him, such as ducking his head or curling up his body in anticipation of contact.

Penalty: For unnecessary roughness: Loss of 15 yards. The player may be disqualified if the action is judged by the official(s) to be flagrant. If the foul is by the defense, it is also an automatic first down."