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NFL fines Detroit Lions, New York Giants $200K for joint practice fights

ProfilePhotoby: Nick Geddes08/07/24NickGeddesNews
Giants Lions
Lucas Boland-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL has fined the Detroit Lions and New York Giants $200,000 each for the multiple fights that broke out during joint practices this week, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

Teams were reminded in a memo last month that fighting and unprofessional conduct at joint practices would not be tolerated, Pelissero noted.

Multiple fights broke out during Monday and Tuesday’s joint practices. Giants quarterback Daniel Jones was in the middle of one of the scuffles. New York offensive lineman Greg Van Roten was seen fighting Detroit defensive lineman Alim McNeill, and Jones ran over and attempted to separate them.

“A situation happens like that, you try to stand up for your guys,” Jones said. “I thought it was good competitive practice all day [Monday] and we made some plays and did some good things. There are some things we need to shore up, for sure, but good intensity and competitive spirit.”

Lions, Giants engage in multiple fights during joint practices

The fight that preceded the one involving Jones took place between Lions star wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown and Giants cornerback Dru Phillips. After St. Brown aggressively tossed Phillips to the ground after making a reception, Giants safety Dane Belton came over and knocked the football out of St. Brown’s hands. St. Brown hit Belton, igniting a scuffle.

On Day 2 of joint practice on Tuesday, it was Giants receiver Malik Nabers‘ turn to get involved. After Nabers failed to make a catch with Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold in coverage, he approached safety Kerby Joseph and pushed his head away. Joseph ran after Nabers and threw a punch, starting a brawl between the two teams. The two exchanged haymakers at one another before things eventually settled down.

“The competitor in me and Arnold, we talk almost every day about competing. And how great we want to be,” Nabers said. “It’s nothing against him. He’s my brother. So, I’m going to give him the work he needs, he’s going to give me the work I need. I was tapping him on the helmet like, ‘Good play.’ That’s all it was. And then somebody [Joseph] comes running up to me and says a few words, and the rest is that.” 

The Giants host the Lions in their preseason opener on Thursday.