Former Alabama DB Brian Branch suspended for role in Lions-Chiefs scuffle
By Rolando Rosa
Published:
The punishment for Detroit Lions defensive back Brian Branch is now official.
The Alabama product is being suspended without pay for 1 game because of unsportsmanlike conduct during Sunday’s contest vs. the Kansas City Chiefs, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Branch threw a punch directed at Chiefs wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster after the 30-17 road loss. Schefter is also reporting that Branch can appeal.
This is the fourth fine for Branch this season, according to Spotrac. Branch was fined for taunting and a facemask foul vs. the Green Bay Packers. Branch was also fined for a low block against the Baltimore Ravens.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell was staunch in his views on this recent episode with Branch.
I love Brian Branch but what he did is inexcusable,” Campbell said. “And it’s not gonna be accepted here. It’s not what we do and it’s not what we’re about. I apologize to Coach Reid and the Chiefs. It’s not OK. That’s not what we do here. It’s not going to be OK. He knows it, our team knows it. That’s not what we do.
The Lions selected Branch in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Branch has recorded 33 tackles total tackles along with a forced fumble and 5 pass deflections this season.
