NFL’s Brian Branch Suspended After Confrontation with JuJu Smith-Schuster

The NFL has announced that Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch will face a one-game suspension without pay due to an altercation with Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster during a game on Sunday night.

John Runyan, the NFL’s vice president of football operations, addressed Branch in a letter saying, “Your offensive, non-football conduct was completely unwarranted, posed a significant risk of injury, and was a clear violation of the standards of conduct and sportsmanship expected of NFL players.” He added that Branch’s actions reflect poorly on the league.

Reports indicate that Branch plans to appeal the suspension.

Branch is set to miss the upcoming Week 7 game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The incident unfolded following the Lions’ loss to the Chiefs, where Branch ignored a high-five attempt from quarterback Patrick Mahomes and instead approached Smith-Schuster. The two exchanged words, culminating in Branch hitting Smith-Schuster on the helmet.

Despite falling to the ground, Smith-Schuster quickly got back up and charged at Branch. Chiefs running back Isaiah Pacheco tried to intervene, but Branch removed Smith-Schuster’s helmet, leading to a larger conflict involving players from both teams.

Following the event, Branch expressed regret, stating, “It was a childish thing to do, but I got tired of people doing things between plays and the referees not catching it… I should never have done that.” Lions head coach Dan Campbell also condemned Branch’s behavior, noting, “What he did was inexcusable and will not be accepted here.” He apologized to the Chiefs and Smith-Schuster, reinforcing that such actions are not representative of the team’s values.

Earlier this season, Branch had already been fined for unsportsmanlike conduct, which included penalties against the Green Bay Packers. This history adds weight to the league’s decision regarding his recent actions.