Saints linebacker Curtis Lofton was fined $8,268 for his role in an on-field brawl during New Orleans’ 41-10 loss at home against the Carolina Panthers.
Panthers tight end Brandon Williams was fined the same amount, the NFL said Friday.
The melee occurred in an end zone after a rushing touchdown by Panthers QB Cam Newton. Newton was celebrating the score in a manner Lofton perceived as disrespectful, and the Saints linebacker confronted him.
Lofton was penalized for a personal foul, and Williams was ejected. Williams punched Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan during the fisticuffs.
Lofton was not available for comment Friday. Jordan said the fine for Williams was “a little harsh” for an action that occurred during a brawl between two teams.
“Things happen when you try to break things up in a brawl,” Jordan said.