Sometimes, emotions tend to get the better of players’ ability to control themselves, leading to brawls or confrontations. Over the years, the NFL has seen many of those incidents, with no proper action taken. However, the recent fight that broke out in a joint practice between the Detroit Lions and New York Giants could have been the tipping point.

Covering this incident, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk shared some of his insight on the NFL’s officially partnered YouTube channel on NBC. “I was happy to see this morning that the NFL has finally decided to exercise the jurisdiction it should have been exercising all along over joint practices, that has driven me crazy,” Florio said. His comment comes after the NFL recently announced that both the Lions and Giants would be fined $200,000 each for the brawl that took place this week in East Rutherford, N.J.

But that’s not all, as NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero pointed out that Roger Goodell’s NFL wouldn’t tolerate any more fighting or unprofessional conduct at joint practices. Otherwise, strict action would be taken against them, along with heavy fines. This decision came after a fight broke out between Lions receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and Giants safety Dane Belton.  When they started exchanging blows after the conclusion of the fourth play of team drills.

Although that altercation took place during Monday’s practice, the incidents continued the next day. This time, Lions safety Kerby Joseph and Giants receiver Malik Nabers exchanged blows, thereby causing both benches to get involved and protect their teammates. Speaking after the scuffles, the Lions coach Dan Campbell expressed his frustration, stating, “Certainly too much. When you have to stop practice that many times to reset the drill and load it, it’s a waste of everybody’s time.” 

Well, he was not the only coach who expressed disappointment about the brawl. As Giants coach Brain Daboll pointed out, “Practice is a little bit different than a game. Obviously, you can’t do that in a game.” Even though both coaches were quick to express their distaste about the brawls.

The NFL teams never wanted to get their hands dirty by punishing their own players. As Florio rightfully points out, “In recent years, Aaron Donald rips off a Bengals player’s helmet and starts swinging it around like a madman a couple of years ago. And the NFL doesn’t get involved to impose discipline on Donald or anyone else. The Rams handled it. Yeah, you know how the Rams handled it. Hey, Aaron, try not to do that again.” Aaron Donald had a long history of brawls and fines throughout his blistering career in the NFL. But the three-time Defensive Player of the Year winner never truly stopped going after players.

Aaron Donald’s playbook of shenanigans

Even though the ten-time Pro Bowler hung up his boots last season, he would be remembered as one of the best defensive players in the NFL. Well, that might not be the only thing that will make fans remember Donald’s name. During his time in the NFL, Donald was fined more than 11 times, with the latest one being recorded against the Seahawks. His tackle on Seahawks QB Geno Smith handed him a $16,391 fine. But this was not the only incident that got fans shouting, “Oh my God.” 

Going back, Donald didn’t receive his first fine until his third season with the Rams came along. Then, Rams LB Alec Ogletree pushed the 49ers, QB Blaine Gabbert for a two-yard gain. When a little push turned into a brawl, Donald came out of nowhere to pull aside the 49ers WR Quinton Patton by his neck. But he didn’t end there, as Donald went on to make contact with an official, causing him to leave the match while slamming his helmet on the ground. Soon after, Donald was handed over a fine of $21,269, which was the beginning of his dirty shenanigans.

Although Donald has retired following an incredible career that had its recipe for controversies, his aggression might still be visible in recent joint practice incidents. But it remains to be seen whether the NFL can crackdown on those episodes. Or, these scuffles continue with the new NFL season breathing down our neck.