Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch has been suspended one game without pay by the NFL after punching Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster in an incident that sparked a postgame brawl.
“Your offensive and un-football actions were completely unjustifiable, created a serious risk of injury and were a clear violation of the standards of conduct and sportsmanship expected of NFL players,” NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan said in a letter to Branch.
“Your actions reflect poorly on the NFL and have no place in our game.”
Branch, who can appeal his suspension, is prepared to miss the Lions’ game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next Monday.
The 23-year-old could rejoin the active roster the following day.
Branch will miss the Lions’ game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next Monday.
Branch: I did something a little childish.
Sunday’s close contest began when Branch declined a high-five from Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes after the Lions lost 30-17.
After Branch went straight past Mahomes, Kansas City player Smith-Schuster exchanged words with Branch before being struck in the face and leaving with a bloody nose.
Players and coaches from both teams had to break up the ensuing brawl.
Branch later said: “I did something a little childish, but I’m tired of people doing things between plays and the refs don’t catch it. They tried to bully me out there, but I don’t. I shouldn’t have done that. It was childish.”
Lions coach Dan Campbell added: “I love Brian Branch, but there’s no excuse for what he did. It won’t be accepted here. That’s not what we do or what we’re trying to do.”
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