Lions S Brian Branch
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The NFL suspended Lions safety Brian Branch for a postgame fight against the Chiefs on Sunday.
On the Sunday Night Football stage, the Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions managed to live up to the hype by delivering a fun game. The hosts wound up pulling away in the end, but the biggest dramatic sequence didn’t even occur until the final whistle blew.
After the game, Detroit safety Brian Branch and Kansas City wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster got into an altercation. Branch’s slap of Smith-Schuster sparked an ugly postgame brawl, leaving the Chiefs’ side not too happy.
The NFL wasted no time getting to the bottom of the situation. On Monday afternoon, the league announced Branch is being suspended one game without pay.
NFL Suspends Brian Branch for Involvement in Postgame Brawl With Chiefs
Per the NFL’s issued Monday notice, Branch’s suspension stems from “unsportsmanlike conduct.” It’s a violation of Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which applies to “any act which is contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship.”
NFL VP of football operations Jon Runyan handed down the suspension, writing the following in his letter:
“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.”
As is typically the case, Branch can appeal the suspension. One of three jointly-appointed hearing officers — Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster or Jordy Nelson — can hear said appeal if it takes place.
The Lions have a Monday Night Football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on the docket for Week 7. Unless he appeals, Branch will be inactive for it.
This story is being updated.