One of the biggest moments in the Kansas City Chiefs vs. Detroit Lions game on Sunday, October 12, didn’t even happen during the game. As pretty much everyone in the NFL is aware by now, after the Sunday Night Football game wrapped up and the Chiefs were crowed the winners with a 30-17 victory, some drama broke out on the field.
As the time ran out on the clock, Detroit Lions player Brian Branch appeared to snub Mahomes on the field, and then, it got even worse when he hit Chiefs player Juju Smith-Schuster across the face. Following the game, Mahomes gave some instant reaction, telling the media, “We play the game in between the whistles. They can do all the extracurricular stuff they want to do, but we play the game in between the whistles. And we thought we played a great game today, and we’ll keep this momentum moving forward.” That was certainly a little shade he was throwing at the Detroit Lions’ bad boy playing style.
It’s fine to be a bad boy, but not when people get hurt. So, on Monday, October 13, the NFL handed of their punishment to Branch for his actions during the matchup. But, he appealed. Now, the NFL has made their final call on the matter.
NFL Responds to Appeal From Detroit Lions Player in Kansas City Chiefs Game
So, Branch wasn’t happy with the NFL’s ruling against him, which involved a one game suspension. He appealed that ruling, and now, the NFL has made their decision.
Michael Signora, the NFL senior vice president of football & international communications, shared on X on Wednesday, October 15, “Hearing officer Jordy Nelson, jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFLPA, has upheld the one-game suspension of Detroit defensive back Brian Branch.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter shared the same information on Wednesday, noting, “Lions safety Brian Branch’s one-game suspension was upheld upon appeal.”
Detroit Lions Verdict Was Expected
So, it’s a no-go from the NFL. This wasn’t a surprise. The Lions pretty much knew the decision wouldn’t be overturned. When asked about it earlier in the week, Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell said, “If it happens, that’s a bonus. Right now, I’m assuming he’s out and he’s not going to win.”
Originally, NFL vice president of football operations Jon Runyan gave the suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct and stated in a letter to Branch, “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. Your conduct reflected poorly on the NFL and has no place in our game.” So, he really laid down the law on him.
The Lions are going to miss Brach on the field, especially against a team as touch as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Lions play the Bucs on Monday Night Football on October 20. But, Branch will be eligible to be back on the Lions’ active roster Tuesday. Detroit’s bye is in Week 8, and then, they play their NFC North rivals the Minnesota Vikings.
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