Lions and Giants both fined by NFL for joint practice fights

Wednesday is a day off for the Detroit Lions and New York Giants, between two days of joint practices and Thursday night's preseason opener. Monday's session was filled (marred?) by a lot of fights, while one big fight was the headliner on Tuesday.

The coaches didn't like how Monday's practice went, with so many interruptions getting in the way of meaningful work. That led to a tamer day on Tuesday, at least for most of the day before the Malik Nabers-Kerby Joseph fight. Tuesday's practice was ended early due to fighting during a kickoff return period.

It was fair to assume the league noticed what happened at the Giants' facility, and that has been confirmed.

According to multiple reports, the Lions and Giants have each been fined $200,000 for multiple fights that broke out during their joint practices.

Via Tom Pelissero of NFL Network:

"The NFL confirmed today that the Detroit Lions and New York Giants organizations have each been fined $200,000 for multiple fights that broke out at the joint practices between the clubs earlier this week. All NFL clubs were reminded in a memo sent last month that fighting and unprofessional conduct at joint practices would not be tolerated."

Lions fined $200,000 for their role in joint practice fights

It's not a surprise the Lions and Giants were fined for their fight-filled joint practice showing. That the NFL issued a memo specifically saying that fighting and "unprofessional conduct" would not during joint practices would not be tolerated guaranteed a punishment would come, and both organizations knew it after what happened on Monday.

During Tuesday's practice, Lions head coach Dan Campbell personally sent defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike off the field after getting into it with a Giants' player. Defensive back Morice Norris was also sent off the field after getting into with a Giants' player.

A $200,000 fine is relative peanuts for both teams. Fans and reporters who were on-site might tongue in cheekily say it was worth it for the entertainment aspect, compared to what joint practices are usually like. But the league has sent a message in an attempt to crack down on something they warned teams about, even if it ultimately may not prevent future similar occurrences.