Lions star Brian Branch learns NFL punishment after punching Chiefs rival and sparking mass brawl

The Detroit Lions have lost Brian Branch for one game, with the safety banned without pay for sparking a fight at the end of his team’s loss to Kansas City on Sunday night.

Branch punched Chiefs wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster after ignoring Patrick Mahomes’ attempt to shake his hand at the end of the 30-17 loss at Arrowhead Stadium.

Smith-Schuster got up and hauled Branch to the ground before players from both teams piled in. The Chiefs man was left with blood streaming from his nose.

NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan told Branch in a letter on Monday: ‘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.’

Branch can appeal the decision but as it stands, he’ll miss next Monday’s pivotal game against Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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