NFL announces double discipline for Jameson Williams and Brian Branch over taunting in Packers game
New York, NY — The NFL has officially issued financial penalties to Detroit Lions duo WR Jameson Williams and S Brian Branch after reviewing film of taunting incidents in the 27–13 loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 1. Per the league’s standard schedule, Jameson Williams was fined $11,593 for taunting; Brian Branch received a combined $23,186 for facemask and taunting stemming from separate sequences in the same half.
Clarifying Jameson Williams’ actions:
Late in the second quarter, on 4th-and-2, Jared Goff hit Williams for an 11-yard conversion to keep the drive alive. Immediately after the play, Williams closed in on CB Xavier McKinney, yelling/gesturing at point-blank range and maintaining a face-to-face posture for several beats, escalating the moment. No flag was thrown on the field (in the same sequence, Green Bay’s Javon Bullard was penalized for illegal contact), but upon postgame review, the League Office ruled the behavior taunting due to direct and prolonged provocation.
Clarifying Brian Branch’s actions:
In a separate sequence that same half, Branch tackled a Packers receiver along the sideline and, in the finish, grabbed the opponent’s facemask, causing the head/neck area to snap back — a foul flagged in-game. After the whistle, Branch then stood over/passed closely by the opponent with verbal back-and-forth and provocative gestures, further raising tensions. On review, the NFL determined the post-whistle behavior constituted taunting, which combined with the facemask produced a total fine of $23,186 under the league’s progressive discipline scale.
Commissioner Roger Goodell:
“After reviewing the video, we determined that Jameson Williams and Brian Branch engaged in direct acts of provocation that unnecessarily escalated the situation. While these were not direct strikes, they were serious acts of taunting that can influence the course of a game. The NFL is committed to a civilized, safe, and fair contest — and violations beyond that standard will be addressed decisively.”
The fines include a warning of escalation: repeat offenses this season could result in higher fines or suspensions, consistent with the league’s progressive discipline framework.
Video references :
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Williams confronting McKinney: https://x.com/NFL_DovKleiman/status/1967048404946587948
Branch sequence (facemask + taunting): https://x.com/woodwardsports/status/1966957830059212978
From the Lions’ perspective, the club is expected to tighten emotional discipline ahead of a Week 2 trip to the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Meanwhile, the Packers have opened 2–0 after their Thursday Night win over Washington, keeping early momentum in the NFC North.
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