Overview
- Broadcast and social video showed Branch brushing off Patrick Mahomes’ handshake before striking Smith-Schuster, which set off a larger on-field scuffle at Arrowhead Stadium.
- NFL vice president of football operations Jon Runyan issued a one-game suspension without pay under Rule 12 for unsportsmanlike conduct, calling the act an aggressive, non-football violation.
- Dan Campbell labeled the behavior inexcusable and apologized to Andy Reid and the Chiefs, while Branch apologized and described his actions as childish after citing in-game frustrations.
- Andy Reid said there was “pretty good” damage to Smith-Schuster’s nose, and the receiver was seen leaving the field with a towel pressed to his face.
- Unless the appeal succeeds, Branch is expected to miss Monday Night Football against the Buccaneers on Oct. 20, a notable hit to a Lions secondary already missing D.J. Reed and Terrion Arnold and to a player with a recent record of multiple fines.