The Kansas City Chiefs snapped the Detroit Lions’ four-game winning streak on Sunday night, but the postgame scene quickly turned chaotic. Lions safety Brian Branch threw a punch at JuJu Smith-Schuster instead of shaking hands, leaving the Chiefs WR with a bloody nose and igniting a tense altercation on the field.
While Branch has since called his actions “childish,” the NFL is expected to review the incident for disciplinary measures, and former NFL QB Robert Griffin III is even calling for a suspension.
Why Is Robert Griffin III Calling for Brian Branch’s Suspension?
The altercation erupted immediately after the final whistle of the Chiefs’ 30–17 victory, when Branch refused to shake Patrick Mahomes’ hand. As Mahomes extended his hand, Branch ignored it. Smith-Schuster appeared to notice the snub and responded with a taunting gesture.
Branch then charged at Smith-Schuster, landing a punch under the facemask that left him with a bleeding nose. Things quickly escalated as several players rushed onto the field.
Branch later apologized for his actions, calling them “childish,” but explained his frustration stemmed from an earlier uncalled illegal block by Smith-Schuster.
“I got blocked in the back illegally,” he said. “It was in front of the ref and the ref didn’t do anything. Just stuff like that. I could’ve gotten hurt off that. I still shouldn’t have done that.”
When asked if he felt the Chiefs tried rubbing it in, Branch replied, “It was a lot of stuff. But I should’ve shown it between the whistles. Not after the game. I apologized for that.”
However, regardless of the provocation, the 23-year-old’s actions clearly violated NFL conduct rules, making disciplinary action inevitable. Griffin weighed in on the situation on X, condemning Branch and calling for a suspension
“Brian Branch started the fight in the field. Brian Branch threw a punch and knocked JuJu Smith-Schuster down. Brian Branch should be suspended. THERE IS NO PLACE IN SPORTS FOR THAT,” he wrote.
Brian Branch started the fight in the field. Brian Branch threw a punch and knocked JuJu Smith-Schuster down. Brian Branch should be suspended. THERE IS NO PLACE IN SPORTS FOR THAT. pic.twitter.com/C8DtVukdlF
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) October 13, 2025
And based on previous disciplinary decisions, a suspension appears likely. In 2021, Cowboys defensive tackle Trysten Hill was suspended for two games without pay after punching Raiders offensive lineman John Simpson following a game in a nearly identical situation.
The league’s suspension statement at the time cited violations of Rule 12, Section 2, Article 14(c) and Rule 12, Section 3, Article 1, which are the same rules under which the Branch’s actions are expected to fall.
Branch’s history of violations could further influence the league’s decision. Already one of the league’s top safeties, he was fined three times in 2025 after seven fines last season, making a suspension appear highly probable.
