The Detroit Lions’ fiery clash with the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, October 12, was a game fueled by intensity and emotion. Both sides desperately wanted the win — but only one could have it. The Chiefs ultimately prevailed, leaving Arrowhead Stadium with a 30-17 victory.
The meeting between Detroit and Kansas City featured plenty of heated exchanges. The most notable moment came after the game when Brian Branch brushed past Patrick Mahomes and shoved Chiefs receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster. The NFL handed Branch a one-game suspension for his actions, but he wasn’t the only Lions defender to face discipline for conduct in that matchup.
Each week, the league issues fines to players for violations from the previous slate of games. According to the NFL’s official policy, these measures exist “to protect players from unnecessary risk and preserve competitive balance and game integrity.” Every Saturday afternoon, the NFL releases a new list of disciplined players — and this week, two members of the Detroit Lions appeared on it.
Linebacker Alex Anzalone and defensive lineman Tyler Lacy were both fined for infractions during the Chiefs game. Anzalone received a $12,172 fine for “unnecessary roughness” and “striking/kicking/tripping/kneeing,” while Lacy was docked $5,722 for the same offense.
The NFL revealed the details in its Week 6 disciplinary report. The steepest fines of the week went to Tennessee’s L’Jarius Sneed, who was fined $23,186 for “unnecessary roughness” involving “use of a helmet,” and Pittsburgh’s Patrick Queen, who was penalized for delivering a “blow to the head/neck” of the Browns’ quarterback.
Per the league, all fine proceeds are donated to the Professional Athletes Foundation to “support legends in need,” and to the NFL Foundation to promote “health, safety, and wellness for athletes at all levels, including youth football and the communities that support the game.”
More Controversy in the Lions vs. Chiefs Matchup
The Week 6 showdown also featured some confusing officiating moments. Early on, Detroit quarterback Jared Goff appeared to score a touchdown on a trick play, but officials nullified the play, claiming the Lions had failed to execute it correctly. The touchdown was overturned by the NFL.
Head coach Dan Campbell discussed the sequence during his October 15 appearance on 97.1 FM The Ticket. Campbell said he was told that the league office in New York instructed the on-field crew to overturn the score. However, lead referee Craig Wrolstad later told reporters that no such communication came from New York. The mystery remains unresolved.
While the officiating drama and league fines have drawn attention, one thing is certain — the Detroit Lions continue to compete fiercely this season. Fans are hoping that their resilience carries them all the way into the postseason.
