Lions’ Branch Likely Faces Monster Penalty After Scrum With Mahomes, Chiefs
The Detroit Lions lost for the first time in more than a month on the road against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, October 12, and safety Brian Branch was none too happy about it.
As the game wound down with the Chiefs up by 13 points and Patrick Mahomes on the field running out the clock, Branch walked past the Kansas City QB. Mahomes reached out to shake Branch’s hand, though the Lions defensive back refused to offer his back.
At that point, Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster reacted to Branch’s snub of Mahomes. Branch reacted back, charging the wideout and striking him in the face mask. The blow knocked Smith-Schuster to the ground, who rose to his feet and chased Branch down.
Branch and Smith-Schuster ended up rolling around on the ground, and Mahomes dove into the scrum as well. The altercation quickly spread to include multiple players on both teams, as several dozen Lions and Chiefs helmets converged near the middle of the field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Ari Meirov shared video of the incident on social media.
How the NFL might punish branch remains to be seen, and the league may not make the information public until next weekend. If the league fines Branch for fighting, the standard amount for a first offense is north of $40,000. The standard fine for a second offense is more than $80,000, per NFL.com. The NFL typically makes fine amounts public on the Saturday following an incident.
Branch has an extensive history of financial punishment across his three-year career, which includes 13 fines totaling approximately $180,000 for an array of infractions stretching back to 2023.
Brian Branch Could Face NFL Suspension for Fight With Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs
GettyDetroit Lions safety Brian Branch.
However, things could actually get worse than that, as there is precedent for the NFL suspending players for starting fights.
The league office suspended former Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Trysten Hill for two games in 2021 after he initiated a fight with the Las Vegas Raiders.
“Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Trysten Hill has been suspended two games without pay by the NFL for his postgame punch in an altercation with Las Vegas Raiders offensive lineman John Simpson,” Grant Gordon of NFL Network wrote.
That incident occurred on Thanksgiving Day, which made it more high-profile than usual. But the fight between Branch and the Chiefs took place on a “Sunday Night Football” showcase and involved Mahomes, a quarterback and multiple-time MVP and Super Bowl champion.
And while the letter of league law won’t dictate that the NFL should come down any harder on Branch for his actions than it would in any other similar situation involving less high-profile players or game scenarios, all eyes are certain to be on the league office when it comes to the handling of Branch’s punishment.
Lions Secondary Can’t Afford to Lose Any More Talent After Multiple Injuries
GettySafety Brian Branch of the Detroit Lions.
The Lions are now 4-2 with a contest against the 5-1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers coming up on the October 20 edition of “Monday Night Football” before Detroit enters its bye week.
The Lions are already down two starting cornerbacks in D.J. Reed, who is on IR with a hamstring strain, and Terrion Arnold, who is out with a shoulder injury. It is unclear precisely when either player will return healthy, but it is safe to say that Detroit is already depleted in the secondary.
Should the Lions lose Branch, a 2024 Pro Bowler, that could meaning losing games, which could impact the team’s chances at a division title, winning the NFC and its potential playoff seeding heading into January.
"John Harbaugh: 'We’re Not Backing Down, We’ll Rise Above This' – Ravens’ Rallying Cry Amid Struggles
In the face of a challenging season start, Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh has issued a rallying cry for his team and fans alike. Despite their recent struggles, Harbaugh remains steadfast in his belief that this is just a temporary setback and that the Ravens will overcome the challenges ahead.
"We’re not backing down. Every team goes through tough times, but it’s how we respond that defines us. We've got the talent, we've got the coaching, and most importantly, we've got the heart. This is just a bump in the road, and we’re going to rise above it," Harbaugh boldly stated during a press conference after the Ravens’ loss to the Los Angeles Rams.
The Ravens, currently navigating a 1–5 record, have been hit with a series of injuries, most notably the absence of quarterback Lamar Jackson. Jackson, the team’s dynamic leader, has been sidelined with a hamstring injury, leaving backup quarterbacks to fill the void. Despite these setbacks, Harbaugh has emphasized the importance of staying focused and trusting the process.
"It’s never about the challenges we face; it’s about how we rise to meet them. Every team has to go through adversity. It’s part of the game, and it’s part of life. But it’s the teams that stay together, keep grinding, and maintain belief that come out on top. That’s who we are," Harbaugh continued.
His words reflect a deep sense of resilience and unity within the Ravens organization. Harbaugh’s leadership has been a beacon of hope for a team that has faced adversity but is far from defeated. The Ravens' commitment to bouncing back is more than just a slogan—it’s a promise that Harbaugh believes in every member of the team, from the coaches to the players.
With the team heading into their Week 7 bye, the Ravens are eager to regroup, refocus, and make the necessary adjustments to turn their season around. Lamar Jackson is expected to return after the bye, giving the team a much-needed boost. His return, coupled with Harbaugh’s unwavering faith in his staff and players, gives the Ravens a renewed sense of purpose and determination.
For Harbaugh, the path forward is clear. “This is just a bump in the road,” he said, underscoring the team's resilience and collective drive. "We’re going to rise above this, and when we do, we’ll be stronger than ever."
As the Ravens head into the second half of the season, there’s a palpable sense of optimism. With Harbaugh at the helm and the team united, the Ravens are ready to prove that they can overcome any challenge in their path.
