Kansas City, October 15, 2025
The NFL has announced official disciplinary action against Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch following his post-game altercation with Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, which erupted moments after the Chiefs’ 30–17 victory.
The incident unfolded after Patrick Mahomes kneeled to end the game. As players approached midfield to shake hands, Branch appeared to
ignore Mahomes, confronted Smith-Schuster, and slapped him in the facemask, sparking a brief on-field fight before coaches and referees stepped in to restore order.
⚖️ The Penalty
Branch has been
fined $50,000 and suspended for 3 game (Week 7 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers) for “striking an opponent” and “unsportsmanlike conduct.”
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell addressed the ruling late Sunday night:
“We understand that Brian Branch may have been provoked — emotions run high in this game — but that can never justify an act of unsportsmanlike conduct. Every player is responsible for their choices, even in the heat of the moment. This punishment isn’t just about discipline; it’s a reminder that professionalism and self-control define the true spirit of the NFL.”
According to the NFL Rulebook (Rule 12, Section 3: Unsportsmanlike Conduct)
, any act of physical retaliation after the game whistle constitutes a major violation. The league emphasized that post-game altercations, particularly during the handshake period, “damage the image of fair play and sportsmanship that the NFL upholds.”
📉 Branch’s History and Reason for Severity
This is not Branch’s first disciplinary issue. Over the past two seasons, he has accumulated over $90,000 in fines for unnecessary roughness, taunting, and helmet-removal violations.League insiders told ESPN that his “repeat offender” status left no option but suspension. The NFL’s Gameday Accountability Guidelines increase penalties for players with multiple prior infractions involving physical conduct.
🗣 Branch’s Reaction
Speaking to reporters after the game, Branch admitted his emotions got the better of him:
“They were trying to bully me out there… but I shouldn’t have done it.”
He alleged that Smith-Schuster had illegally blocked him from behind moments earlier, but officials did not call a penalty. The NFL later stated that while the block was “borderline,” retaliation after the whistle would never be condoned.
🦁 Impact on the Lions
The suspension comes at a difficult time for the Lions. Detroit’s secondary is already thin with Arnold, Reed, and Rakestraw sidelined. Branch, who has 45 tackles, 2 interceptions, and an 85.0 PFF grade through six games
, has been a cornerstone of the defense. His absence in Week 7 against the Buccaneers could be costly as the Lions try to rebound from back-to-back losses.
While fans have shown mixed reactions — some defending Branch’s fiery competitiveness, others criticizing his lack of discipline — the league made its position clear:
emotion can’t outweigh professionalism.
As one NFL insider summed it up:
“The league didn’t punish Brian Branch for caring — they punished him for losing control. That’s the line every player must learn to respect.”
