The controversy unfolded right after the Detroit Lions suffered a 17–30 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 6 Sunday Night Football at Arrowhead Stadium (October 12, 2025).
As players from both teams exchanged post-game handshakes, Patrick Mahomes and JuJu Smith-Schuster approached Brian Branch in a gesture of sportsmanship. Branch, however, refused Mahomes’ handshake and slapped JuJu across the face, triggering a brief sideline scuffle.
Head coach Dan Campbell wasted no time condemning the act in his post-game press conference:
“I love Brian Branch, but what he did was inexcusable. That’s not who we are.”
Campbell also apologized to Andy Reid and the Chiefs organization, a move widely praised by analysts and fans for displaying true leadership and accountability.
According to reports from NBC Sports, SI.com, USA Today Lions Wire, and The Athletic, the NFL is reviewing the play and may issue a $50,000 fine to Branch for unsportsmanlike conduct.
The incident’s footage went viral on X (formerly Twitter), racking up over 2 million views under the trending tag #BranchFight. Lions fans were split — some applauded Branch’s passion, while others slammed his “lack of maturity.” Chiefs supporters, meanwhile, praised Mahomes and Smith-Schuster’s composure as the embodiment of championship discipline.
In his closing remarks, Campbell said:
“We play hard, but we play with respect. This will be a lesson for everyone.”
While the Lions’ 5-1 record remains strong, their reputation took a hit from the emotional fallout. This moment underscores the fine line between competitive fire and emotional recklessness in elite sports.
Do you think Dan Campbell handled this right, or was he too harsh on Brian Branch? Leave your thoughts below and check out official NFL fan gear now at [SHOP NOW].
