NFL: Detroit Lions’ Brian Branch suspended one game without pay after punching Kansas City Chiefs’ JuJu Smith-Schuster | NFL News

Detroit Lions’ Brian Branch has been banned for one game without pay by the NFL after he punched Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster in an incident that led to a post-game brawl.

“Your aggressive, non-football behavior was completely unprovoked, poses a serious risk of injury, and clearly violates the standards of conduct and sportsmanship expected of NFL players,” NFL Vice President of Football Operations John Runyan wrote in a letter to Branch.

“Your behavior has reflected poorly on the NFL and has no place in our game.”

Branch – who can appeal the suspension – is expected to miss the Lions’ game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next Monday.

The 23-year-old will be eligible to rejoin the active roster the next day.

Branch: I did something a little childish

Sunday’s scrimmage stemmed from Branch rejecting a hard hit from Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes after the Lions’ 30-17 loss.

After Branch walked directly in front of Mahomes, Kansas City’s Smith-Schuster talked to Branch and was subsequently struck in the face and left with a bloody nose.

Players and coaches from both teams had to break up the resulting melee.

Speaking afterwards, Branch said: “I did something a bit childish, but I’m sick of people doing things between plays that the referees don’t understand. They were trying to bully me and I wasn’t doing it – I shouldn’t have done it. It was childish.”

Added Lions coach Dan Campbell: “I love Brian Branch, but what he did is unforgivable. He’s not going to be accepted here. That’s not what we do, and that’s not what we’re about.”

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