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Brian Branch has been suspended for one game due to his involvement in an incident with JuJu Smith-Schuster following the Chiefs’ decisive victory over the Lions.
The Lions’ defensive player threw a punch at Smith-Schuster just as the game concluded, sparking a brief scuffle before officials managed to regain control.
In a statement, NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan expressed that Branch’s actions were “entirely unwarranted, posed a serious risk of injury, and clearly violated the standards of conduct and sportsmanship expected of NFL players.” Runyan emphasized that such behavior tarnishes the league’s reputation and is unacceptable in football.
During the suspension, Branch will forfeit his pay, although he retains the right to challenge the ruling through an appeal.
After the game, Branch explained to reporters that his actions were driven by frustration, as he believed Smith-Schuster had executed an illegal block in the back near the game’s conclusion.
He described his actions as “childish” and admitted that he “shouldn’t have did it.”
Lions head coach Dan Campbell admonished Branch for his actions in his postgame press conference after the loss.
“I love Brian Branch, but what he did is inexcusable and it’s not going to be accepted here,” Campbell said. “It’s not what we do. It’s not what we’re about and I apologize to coach [Andy] Reid and the Chiefs and [Smith-Schuster]. That’s not OK. That’s not what we do here and it’s not going to be OK. He knows it, our team knows it and so, that’s not what we do.”
The skirmish started when Branch went toward Smith-Schuster and after the Chiefs’ wide receiver put his hand out, the Lions player hit him in the helmet.
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Running back Isiah Pacheco attempted to push Branch away from the scene, but Smith-Schuster came charging back at him, leading to a larger melee.
