UPDATE: Following a heated confrontation during the October 15, 2023 matchup, Lions defensive back Brian Branch may face a suspension from the NFL after a violent altercation with Chiefs receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. The incident occurred as the Kansas City Chiefs celebrated their decisive 30-17 victory over the Detroit Lions on “Sunday Night Football.”
As the teams exited the field, Branch disregarded a handshake attempt from Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who responded by tapping Branch on the shoulder pads. Tensions escalated further when Smith-Schuster reached out to Branch. In a shocking move, Branch struck Smith-Schuster in the head, sending him to the ground and igniting a brawl as players from both teams rushed to the scene.
Commentators Cris Collinsworth and Mike Tirico weighed in on the incident, suggesting that Branch’s actions warrant disciplinary action. Collinsworth remarked, “The league’s going to take action on that one against Branch.” Tirico added that Branch’s history of multiple fines—three this season and seven last year—makes him a prime candidate for punishment.
In the last two seasons, Branch has accumulated fines totaling $118,391. His most recent infraction occurred in Week 3, where he faced an $11,598 fine for a low block against the Baltimore Ravens. The NFL typically imposes fines of $12,172 for a first offense of striking an opponent and $17,968 for a second offense. However, former quarterback Robert Griffin III argues that the NFL should consider a suspension for Branch, stating, “Brian Branch threw a punch and knocked JuJu Smith-Schuster down. There is NO PLACE IN SPORTS FOR THAT.”
In a post-game interview, Mahomes addressed the incident, emphasizing that the game should be played within the whistle’s confines. “They can do all the extracurricular stuff in between the whistles,” he stated. “I thought we played a great game today. And we’ll keep this momentum moving forward.”
With the NFL’s discretion to suspend players for post-game fights, Branch’s previous history of fines could weigh heavily in the league’s decision-making process. Fans and analysts alike will be closely monitoring the NFL’s response to this escalating situation as the league seeks to maintain discipline and sportsmanship on the field.
Stay tuned for further updates as this story develops.