BREAKING: NFL Suspends Brian Branch One Game After Postgame Altercation. Clearer pictures and videos of how it played out

In a swift and decisive move, the NFL has suspended Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch for one game without pay following a postgame altercation with Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith‑Schuster after Sunday night’s 30–17 loss in Kansas City.

The altercation unfolded immediately after the final whistle. As players were exchanging customary postgame handshakes:

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes extended a hand toward Branch, who walked by without acknowledging the gesture.

Smith‑Schuster then approached Branch, apparently questioning the interaction, and Branch responded by striking him in the facemask, knocking Smith‑Schuster to the ground.

The scuffle escalated quickly. Smith‑Schuster jumped to his feet and pursued Branch. In the midst of the chaos, Branch reportedly tore off Smith‑Schuster’s helmet, triggering a bench‑clearing melee involving players from both teams.

Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco intervened in an effort to separate the combatants, but tensions remained high until coaches and staff managed to restore order.

Smith‑Schuster emerged from the altercation with a bloody nose, and comments from Chiefs coach Andy Reid suggested the hit came “for what looked like no reason.

On Monday, the NFL’s office announced the one‑game suspension, citing Branch’s actions as “aggressive, non‑football conduct” that posed a risk of injury, violated league standards of sportsmanship, and “reflected poorly on the NFL.”

In the letter to Branch, NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan emphasized that such conduct has “no place in our game.”

Branch is eligible to appeal the decision, a process that would involve a hearing officer jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFL Players Association.

Because the suspension is for one game, Branch will miss the Lions’ upcoming home matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7.