Lions safety Branch suspended for postgame hit on JuJu Smith-Schuster

Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch was suspended one game without pay on Monday for striking Kansas City Chiefs receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster immediately after Detroit’s 30-17 loss at Arrowhead Stadium on Sunday night, a confrontation that sparked a brief postgame brawl. The NFL’s vice president of football operations, Jon Runyan, said in a letter to Branch that the hit was an “aggressive, nonfootball act” that “posed a serious risk of injury” and “has no place in our game.” Branch appealed the discipline, but the one-game suspension was later upheld by hearing officer Jordy Nelson.

The incident unfolded in the closing seconds after the final whistle. Branch walked past Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes as Mahomes offered a handshake, then struck Smith-Schuster on the facemask with an open hand. The two players scuffled before teammates intervened. Branch acknowledged his role afterward, telling reporters, “I did a real childish thing,” and said frustration over what he described as an uncalled block had set him off. Lions coach Dan Campbell condemned Branch’s conduct as “inexcusable,” apologized to Chiefs coach Andy Reid and Smith-Schuster, and said the team would not accept...