By Blessing 
Brian Branch to Challenge Suspension After Postgame Altercation
Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch is not accepting his punishment quietly. According to NFL Network, Branch plans to appeal his one-game suspension that stemmed from a heated postgame confrontation with Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster.
The league announced the decision on Monday after reviewing video of the incident, which took place shortly after the Lions’ 30–17 loss on Sunday Night Football. Branch was suspended without pay, meaning he would miss one game if the ruling stands.
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Branch’s Side of the Story
Branch has taken accountability for his actions, admitting that frustration got the better of him that night.
“I did a little childish thing,” Branch said. “I’m tired of people doing stuff in between the play and refs don’t catch it… I shouldn’t have did it. It was childish.”
Reports suggest the confrontation began over an illegal block in the back that Branch believes went uncalled earlier in the game. Feeling ignored by the officials, Branch reportedly confronted Smith-Schuster near midfield after the final whistle, resulting in a short-lived scuffle caught on national TV.
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What Comes Next for Branch and the Lions
If the appeal is denied, Branch will miss next Monday’s matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and won’t return until the following day. His absence could further strain Detroit’s secondary, already missing key players like Kerby Joseph, Terrion Arnold, and D.J. Reed.
Branch, who earns roughly $1.38 million this season, would lose about $76,625 in salary if the suspension remains.
At 4–2, the Lions are preparing for a pivotal Monday Night Football game against Tampa Bay — one that could shape their playoff path. Whether Branch is on the field remains the big question.