Patrick Mahomes’ reaction to Brian Branch’s Chiefs slap following the handshake snub

Mahomes Reacts to Scuffle in Chiefs’ Victory

Patrick Mahomes felt that the Chiefs played a solid game overall.

However, in the closing moments of their 30-17 victory against the Lions, a confrontation erupted when Brian Branch, the Lions’ safety, declined to shake Mahomes’ hand and instead slapped JuJu Smith-Schuster, sparking a skirmish.

Mahomes was clearly unhappy with what unfolded.

“We play between the whistles,” Mahomes remarked post-game. “They can engage in whatever antics they want, but we maintain our focus during the game. I thought we performed excellently today, and I believe we can carry this momentum forward.”

Lions head coach Dan Campbell also condemned Branch’s behavior, expressing concern that it could further strain an already battered Detroit squad.

“I appreciate Brian Branch, but what he did is unacceptable and won’t be tolerated here,” Campbell told reporters. “That’s not who we are or what we should be doing, and I owe an apology to [Andy] Reid and the Chiefs, as well as Smith-Schuster. It’s not acceptable, and he’s aware of that, along with the rest of our team.”

Detroit was already missing its top two cornerbacks and more players.

Branch did issue an apology for his actions but also seemed a bit defensive, laying some blame on Smith-Schuster for what he described as a dirty play occurring late in a game that seemed decided.

“It was a childish act, I’ll admit,” Branch commented. “But I’m just so tired of guys pulling stuff between plays that the refs overlook. I shouldn’t have reacted that way; it was just immature.”