Detroit Lions safety **Brian Branch** will serve a **one-game suspension** imposed by the NFL after a post-game altercation with Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, league officials have confirmed.
Branch was initially suspended for his actions during a Week 6 loss in Kansas City — where he struck Smith-Schuster after the whistle, sparking a brief brawl. The decision was reviewed through the NFL’s appeal process, but a hearing officer appointed by both the league and the NFL Players Association **affirmed the original one-game ban**. ([AP News][1])
The league emphasized that actions endangering player safety or violating sportsmanship standards will result in strict discipline, even when they occur outside of live play.
Branch is expected to miss Detroit’s upcoming game, though he will be eligible to return afterward. The Lions have already taken roster steps to help cover his absence on defense.
The decision underscores the NFL’s ongoing efforts to balance competitive intensity with player conduct expectations, especially as disciplinary appeals are becoming more common in recent seasons.
More updates to follow as the Lions prepare for their next matchup.
[1]: https://apnews.com/article/lions-chiefs-brian-branch-suspension-8c3121758abd604015dc220a9a884d17?utm_source=chatgpt.com “Suspension of Lions safety Brian Branch for postgame fight vs. Chiefs is upheld on appeal”
