DETROIT – The National Football League has suspended Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch for one game after his unsportsmanlike conduct incident against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday Night Football.
ESPN Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter broke the news on X on Monday (Oct. 13) around 5 p.m., saying Branch would be suspended without pay.
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Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch has been suspended without pay for one game for unsportsmanlike conduct following Sunday’s game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 13, 2025
Following the Lions’ 30-17 victory, Chiefs receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster got in the face of Branch, who chose not to shake hands with superstar quarterback Patrick Mahomes, and hot popped in the face, which started a melee on the field.
Branch’s presence will be missed as they will take on the red-hot Tampa Bay Buccaneers inside Ford Field on Monday Night Football on Oct. 20, 2025.
With a secondary already depleted with injuries, Dan Campbell and staff will continue their next man up mentality in the matchup.
Schefter posted on X that Branch may appeal the suspension under the CBA.
Any appeal will be heard and decided upon by either Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, or Jordy Nelson with the hearing officers jointly appointed and compensated by the NFL and the NFLPA to decide appeals of on-field player discipline.
Under the CBA, Brian Branch may appeal the suspension. Any appeal will be heard and decided upon by either Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, or Jordy Nelson, the hearing officers jointly appointed and compensated by the NFL and NFLPA to decide appeals of on-field player discipline. https://t.co/7QXI9Zie0n
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 13, 2025