DETROIT, Mich. (WILX) - Lions DB Brian Branch has been suspended one week without pay following his altercation with Chiefs WR Juju Smith-Schuster at the end of Sunday night’s loss in Kansas City.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the suspension late Monday afternoon, noting Branch is allowed to appeal the decision under the league’s collective bargaining agreement.
“Any appeal will be heard and decided upon by either Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, or Jordy Nelson, the hearing officers jointly appointed and compensated by the NFL and NFLPA to decide appeals of on-field player discipline,” Schefter said in a post on X.
Branch shoved Smith-Schuster in the face as the clock hit zeroes Sunday night at Arrowhead Stadium, sparking a large scuffle between Lions and Chiefs players.
Branch told reporters after the game that his actions were “childish.”
“I did a little childish thing,” Branch said, according to the Associated Press, “but I’m tired of people doing stuff in between the play and refs don’t catch it. They be trying to bully me out there and I don’t — I shouldn’t have did it. It was childish.”
Branch pointed to a play several minutes before in which he was blindsided from behind, but no flag was thrown.
The Lions will be without Branch next week for Monday Night Football against the Buccaneers at Ford Field — their last game before the bye week. His absence adds to an already-depleted secondary, which was missing several key players Sunday, including Terrion Arnold, Ennis Rakestraw, D.J. Reed and others.
Subscribe to ourNews 10 newsletter andYouTube page to receive the latest local news and weather. Looking to hire people, or grow your business through advertising? Gray Digital Media is your one-stop marketing solution.Learn more.
Copyright 2025 WILX. All rights reserved.