Arians downplays joint practice fights: Brown was 'waving at flies'

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Tennessee Titans held a heated joint practice Thursday that featured five fights between the two teams, according to Jenna Laine of EPSN.

Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown and Titans cornerback Chris Jackson were involved in one of the skirmishes. Brown said Jackson held him during a one-on-one and eventually confronted the defensive back, ripping Jackson's helmet off and throwing some punches.

Brown was thrown out of the practice following the fight but returned shortly thereafter.

Tampa Bay head coach Bruce Arians downplayed the confrontations after the practice.

"I didn't see any fighting," Arians said. "A lot of pushing and shoving, but I didn't see any fists, though."

As for Brown's altercation, Arians said his receiver was just "waving at flies."

"A lot of grown men competing with emotion. Things happen. Just got to protect your brothers," Buccaneers linebacker Devin White said.

Tennessee head coach Mike Vrabel echoed those sentiments.

"Our job is to perform football plays," Vrabel said. "Regardless of whether there are sidebars or altercations. ... I get it. It's hot out there. Guys are competing and trying to finish. Those things come up."