It’s the matchup that refuses to fade. The Kansas City Chiefs and Detroit Lions engaged in an intense battle on Sunday, October 12, that turned into far more than just another regular-season contest. It was a statement performance by the Chiefs, who walked out of Arrowhead Stadium with a 30-17 victory.
Both during and after the game, emotions ran high. The viral moment came when Brian Branch appeared to brush off Kansas City quarterback Patrick Mahomes and struck Chiefs receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster following the game’s conclusion.
For his role in the altercation, the NFL suspended Branch for one game. He wasn’t the only Lions player punished for actions stemming from the Chiefs matchup. On Saturday, October 18, reports confirmed that alongside Branch, two additional Detroit players were disciplined by the NFL — but no one from Kansas City faced any consequences. Unsurprisingly, Detroit’s locker room was displeased.
Each week, the league hands down penalties for misconduct during prior games. According to the NFL’s official website, these disciplinary measures are designed “to protect players from unnecessary risk and maintain fair competition and integrity.” The updated list of fines is released publicly every Saturday afternoon.
In the Week 6 report, two Lions defenders appeared on the list: Alex Anzalone and Tyler Lacy. Anzalone was fined $12,172 for “unnecessary roughness” involving “striking, kicking, tripping, or kneeing,” while Lacy was fined $5,722 for the same offense.
However, no Kansas City Chiefs players were disciplined in the final ruling. Lions fans and reporters quickly noticed that JuJu Smith-Schuster avoided punishment for his controversial block on Branch.
“Brian Branch believed he was blocked illegally from behind by Chiefs receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster,” wrote Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press in a Saturday, October 18 article. “The NFL apparently disagreed.”
“JuJu doesn’t get fined for that hit on Branch—great,” one Facebook commenter on Heavy on Lions remarked. “And nothing for any KC players,” added another frustrated fan.
Detroit Lions Could Challenge Chiefs Ruling
The Lions technically have the option to appeal the league’s decision, though Branch’s own attempt to contest his suspension was unsuccessful. The NFL upheld the punishment.
“If the penalty stands, the league deducts the fine from the player’s next paycheck,” the NFL’s policy explains. “If overturned, the player is notified, and the funds are not withheld.”
According to league guidelines, fine proceeds are distributed to the Professional Athletes Foundation to “aid retired players in need,” and to the NFL Foundation, which promotes health, safety, and wellness for athletes at every level — from youth programs to pro football communities.
As a result, the Chiefs will enter their matchup with the Raiders without any disciplinary distractions, focused and ready to extend their winning streak. That contest takes place at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday, October 18.
