Lions, 49ers players get into scuffle during hotly contested game
Tensions were high in the first quarter of a Monday night game between the Detroit Lions and the San Francisco 49ers.
The Lions were looking for one more win to build momentum ahead of an NFC North title game against the Minnesota Vikings next week, while the 49ers were hoping to save face from a disastrous and injury-filled regular season that left them without a playoff berth.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
So, it was no wonder that a few players got into a scuffle with emotions running high.
The 49ers started the drive with a touchdown pass from Brock Purdy to Ricky Pearsall. However, before that play occurred, players from both teams were penalized for a fight.
San Francisco wide receiver Jauan Jennings and Lions defensive back Terrion Arnold got into a scuffle. Jennings blocked Arnold through into the end zone. Kerby Joseph came over and pushed Jennings into the stands while Arnold slapped the player in the helmet.
Joseph and Jennings were penalized for unnecessary roughness. Joseph apologized after the game but made clear he was going to stand up for his teammates.
BUCS' JALEN MCMILLAN NO FAN OF DUCK THAT LANDED ON FIELD DURING GAME DESPITE FAN FRENZY
"Also man, Iβm going to ride for my brother, and Iβm going to protect him no matter what, right or wrong, but Iβm going to have his back," he said, via the Detroit Free Press. "Yeah, you donβt play that.
"No. I donβt play that, especially about my rook, man. Thatβs my rook. I donβt let nobody play on my rook, man. Iβm the only one that get to mess him up and do whatever I do. But I donβt play that, man. I feel like Iβm my brotherβs keeper, man, and I feel like when my guys are in trouble, man, itβs my job to protect them."
Detroit won the game 40-34. Joseph had two interceptions β both on Purdy.
Lions quarterback Jared Goff threw three touchdown passes while Jahmyr Gibbs ran for 117 yards and a touchdown.
Follow Fox News DigitalβsΒ sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.