Lions safety Brian Branch is in hot water with both his team and the league office after a postgame incident with Chiefs receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster — and now the NFL has officially handed down a one-game suspension without pay.
The league announced Monday that Branch was suspended for unsportsmanlike conduct following Sunday’s game against Kansas City. The decision, issued by NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan, cited a violation of Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which prohibits acts “contrary to the generally understood principles of sportsmanship.”
“Your aggressive, non-football act was entirely unwarranted, posed a serious risk of injury, and clearly violated the standards of conduct and sportsmanship expected of NFL players,” Runyan wrote in a letter to Branch.
According to Pro Football Talk via NBC Sports, Branch struck Smith-Schuster in the head after the receiver extended a postgame handshake — an act Lions head coach Dan Campbell later called “inexcusable.” The report also noted that Branch’s history of fines factored into the NFL’s decision, with the defensive back having been fined three times this season and seven times in 2024, per Spotrac.com.
Branch’s prior fines included penalties for taunting, a facemask foul against Green Bay, and a low block against Baltimore.
Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Branch may appeal the suspension, which will be reviewed by either Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, or Jordy Nelson — the hearing officers jointly appointed by the NFL and NFL Players Association.
Branch will miss the Lions’ Oct. 20 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and will be eligible to return to the active roster on Oct. 21.
Even before the league’s ruling, PFT noted that the Lions were considering internal discipline, with Campbell reportedly frustrated by Branch’s actions. Whether Branch appeals or accepts the suspension could hinge on maintaining his standing with Detroit’s coaching staff.
The Lions (4–2) host the 5–1 Buccaneers on Monday Night Football in Week 7.
Conor Forrest is the Editor-in-Chief and Senior Commanders Insider for SportsJourney.com. As a graduate of George Mason University, Forrest has spent the last eight years sharing his love for sports with listeners and viewers in the DC area and around the world. He hosts the “After Further Review Podcast” and has held numerous on-air and writing roles covering the DC area sports, Division 1 Basketball, and the NFL. His work has been featured on outlets like NBC Sports Washington, Fansided.com, Heavy.com and The Fourth Estate.
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