Detroit Lions linebacker Jamie Collins was ejected from Sunday’s season opener after he head-butted a referee, multiple media outlets reported.

According to the Detroit Free Press, Collins was disqualified with 12:16 remaining in the second quarter for what appeared to be his effort to illustrate to the official the type of penalty perpetrated upon him on the previous play.

Following a run play in which the Chicago Bears' Ty Montgomery ran for 1 yard to the Bears' 29-yard line, Collins approached referee Alex Kemp and gingerly head-butted him in the chest, appearing to illustrate how he had been hit during Montgomery’s run, the Free Press reported.

After the game, Kemp told ESPN he threw the flag and ejected Collins because he lowered his head and made contact. Although players are allowed to touch officials, Kemp said he considered Collins' actions “unnecessary.”

“I ruled unnecessary contact,” which warranted the ejection, Kemp told the sports news network.

The Bears prevailed, 27-23.

Cox Media Group