NFL SVP of Officiating addresses Brian Branch ejection

Following a controversial ejection for Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch in a game against the Green Bay Packers, the NFL has weighed in on the decision.

NFL senior vice president of officiating Perry Fewell told a pool reporter after the game that the league reviewed all angles and felt Branch could have pulled up on the hit.

“We reviewed all the angles, and we clearly felt that he had time and space to make a different choice, as the act was a flagrant foul,” Fewell said. “And he clearly had the opportunity to avoid the head and neck area.”

The decision was made on the field and in consultation with replay officials in New York.

“We had a flag on the field and so we had a consultation with the crew on the field as well as us here in New York,” Fewell said.

The Brian Branch hit on Bo Melton of the Packers drew immediate comment from the television broadcast crew, which included Tom Brady.

Brady opened up on the call while speaking to rules analyst Dean Blandino.

“I don’t love that call at all,” Brady said. “Obviously it’s a penalty, but to me there has to be serious intent in a game like this.”

Worse for the Detroit Lions and for Brian Branch, there could be additional penalties coming. Branch gave the officials a piece of his mind on his way out from the game.

The talented defensive back threw up two middle fingers to the crew. That was not penalized at the time, but Fewell said it could be subject to later discipline “through compliance.”

Heading into Sunday’s game, Brian Branch recorded 38 tackles, 11 passes defended and four interceptions. The former Alabama Crimson Tide star was selected by the Lions in the second round of last year’s draft.