One of the most talked about moments in the clash between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Detroit Lions on Sunday, October 12, didn’t actually occur during play. As nearly everyone across the National Football League knows by now, after the Sunday Night Football showdown ended and the Chiefs were declared the winners with a 30-17 result, things heated up on the field.

As the final seconds ticked away, Lions defensive back Brian Branch appeared to ignore Mahomes on the field, then escalated the situation by striking Chiefs wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster across the face. Following the game, Mahomes reacted quickly, telling reporters, “We play the game in between the whistles.

They can do all the extracurricular stuff they want to do, but we play the game in between the whistles. And we thought we played a great game today, and we’ll keep this momentum moving forward.” His words carried a touch of shade aimed at Detroit’s physical, borderline style of play.

Being the tough guy is one thing, but not when it crosses the line and causes harm. So, on Monday, October 13, the league announced its punishment for Branch’s actions during the heated matchup. But he didn’t accept it without a fight. He decided to appeal. And now, the NFL has made its ultimate decision.

Branch was clearly displeased with the ruling, which included a one-game suspension. He filed his appeal, but the NFL has now officially ruled on the case.

Michael Signora, the league’s senior vice president of football & international communications, posted on X on Wednesday, October 15, “Hearing officer Jordy Nelson, jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFLPA, has upheld the one-game suspension of Detroit defensive back Brian Branch.”

Adam Schefter of ESPN shared the same update on Wednesday, confirming, “Lions safety Brian Branch’s one-game suspension was upheld upon appeal.”

Detroit Lions Outcome Was No Shock

So, the NFL stood firm. This outcome didn’t surprise many. Detroit already suspected the suspension wouldn’t be reversed. Earlier in the week, Lions head coach Dan Campbell said, “If it happens, that’s a bonus. Right now, I’m assuming he’s out and he’s not going to win.”

Initially, Jon Runyan, the league’s vice president of football operations, handed down the suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct, writing to Branch, “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.” It was a clear and stern warning.

Detroit will certainly feel Branch’s absence, especially facing a tough opponent like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Lions meet the Bucs on Monday Night Football on October 20. Branch will be eligible to return to Detroit’s active roster the following Tuesday. With the team’s bye scheduled for Week 8, their next challenge afterward will be against their NFC North rival, the Minnesota Vikings.