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Lions DB Suspended for Committing ‘Aggressive Non-Football’ Act in Kansas City
Brian Branch was suspended without pay for one game after punching JuJu Smith-Schuster postgame, costing him $76,625 and forcing the Lions to play without a key safety.
- On Oct. 13, 2025, the NFL suspended Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch one game without pay after reviewing video of the postgame incident, causing him to miss Monday Night Football at Ford Field against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
- Following the final whistle, Brian Branch declined Patrick Mahomes's handshake and struck Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, triggering a brief postgame scuffle; Branch said, `I did a real childish thing`.
- NFL vice president Jon Runyan said Branch's act was unwarranted, risky, and violated sportsmanship rules, citing Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1; Branch has multiple recent fines this season.
- With Branch sidelined, Detroit's secondary faces more strain, forcing starters Kerby Joseph and rookie Thomas Harper into larger roles against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football.
- Branch is appealing the suspension under the CBA, with hearing officers Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, or Jordy Nelson deciding; if upheld, he can return on Oct. 21.
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Lions DB Brian Branch Makes Bold Decision After NFL Suspension
The NFL suspended Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch for striking Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster following their game Sunday night, October 12. But instead of accepting his punishment outright, Branch decided again to fight on Monday.Branch intends to appeal the league’s ruling of a one-game suspension without pay, per a report from Ian Rapoport of NFL Network on October 13.“Brian Branch is appealing, source said,” Rapoport …
·New York, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources74
Leaning Left10Leaning Right12Center17Last UpdatedBias Distribution43% Center
Bias Distribution
- 43% of the sources are Center
43% Center
L 26%
C 43%
R 31%
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