The NFL has handed Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch a one-game suspension following a heated postgame altercation with Kansas City Chiefs players on Sunday night at Arrowhead Stadium.
The league announced the suspension Monday afternoon, citing unsportsmanlike conduct and a violation of Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which prohibits behavior “contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship.”
According to the NFL, the incident began when Branch appeared to ignore Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ handshake after Kansas City’s 30–17 victory. Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster reportedly confronted Branch over the snub, leading the former Alabama star to strike Smith-Schuster in the helmet, knocking him to the turf and sparking a brief on-field brawl.
NFL vice president of football operations Jon Runyan issued a stern letter to Branch outlining the league’s stance:
“Your aggressive, non-football act was entirely unwarranted, posed a serious risk of injury, and clearly violated the standards of conduct and sportsmanship expected of NFL players. Your conduct reflected poorly on the NFL and has no place in our game.”
Branch will miss Detroit’s Week 7 Monday Night Football clash against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on October 20 if the suspension stands. The punishment, which comes without pay, will cost him approximately $76,625 based on his 18-week salary structure.
However, Branch retains the right to appeal the decision. Under the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement, a neutral hearing officer jointly appointed by the NFL and NFL Players Association will review any appeal related to on-field player discipline.
After the game, Branch took partial responsibility for his actions but expressed frustration over what he viewed as unfair officiating.
“I did a little childish thing,” Branch admitted. “But I’m tired of people doing stuff in between plays and refs don’t catch it. JuJu blocked me illegally in the back, and it was right in front of the ref. I shouldn’t have reacted that way, but it was childish.”
Lions coach Dan Campbell was seen quickly intervening to pull Branch away from the melee, preventing the situation from escalating further.
While the Lions (4–2) continue their strong start to the season, the loss of Branch — one of their most aggressive young defenders — will be a significant setback as Detroit prepares for a primetime matchup in Tampa Bay.
