Lions’ Branch Likely Faces Monster Penalty After Scrum With Mahomes, Chiefs - HC Dan Campbell turned his back on this defender, siding with the opponent
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
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
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.
Andy Reid Declares: 'Josh Simmons is a True Warrior, When He Returns, Nothing Can Stop the Team'
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid recently spoke out with high praise for Josh Simmons, the team’s promising star who has been recovering from an injury. Reid’s words weren’t just those of a coach offering support—they were a declaration of Simmons’ heart, talent, and leadership qualities.
“Josh Simmons is a true warrior,” Reid said. “What we've seen from him over the time he's been with us goes far beyond just his skills on the field. It's his grit, his resilience that makes him so valuable to this team. Sure, it might take a little time for him to fully come back, but when he does, there’s no doubt in my mind that nothing will hold back the progress of this team."
Simmons, who joined the Chiefs with a lot of promise, has faced an unfortunate setback with an injury that kept him off the field for a while. However, Reid’s words offer a clear message to fans and critics alike—this is just a bump in the road. The team has full confidence that Simmons’ return will elevate the Chiefs to new heights.
A Leader in the Making
Josh Simmons has proven time and again that he is not only a talented player but also an emotional leader for the Chiefs. His perseverance and mental toughness have already earned him the respect of his teammates. While his absence may have raised concerns, the Chiefs’ coaching staff has remained steadfast in their belief that Simmons' absence will only fuel his drive to come back stronger.
“I believe in him,” said quarterback Patrick Mahomes, who has often highlighted Simmons' ability to stay focused, even during challenging moments. “We’ve seen the work he’s put in, and we know that when he returns, he’ll make a difference right away. He's got that warrior mentality.”
Reid's Confidence in the Team
Reid’s words about Simmons aren’t just about the individual; they’re a testament to the Chiefs’ collective spirit. As a coach known for motivating his players and maintaining high standards, Reid’s praise for Simmons highlights the team’s deep belief in their fellow teammate's eventual return.
In the highly competitive landscape of the NFL, the Chiefs have always prided themselves on the strength of their roster, not only in terms of talent but in their resilience and commitment to each other. This belief is part of what Reid hopes will drive the team forward even without Simmons in action at the moment.
The Road Ahead for the Chiefs
With Simmons’ eventual return looming on the horizon, Chiefs fans are filled with anticipation. The timing of his recovery couldn’t be more perfect, as the team is set to face some tough competition in the upcoming games. With a strong defense already in place and a leadership group that includes seasoned players like Mahomes and Travis Kelce, Simmons’ comeback could be just the spark the Chiefs need to push deeper into the playoffs.
Reid’s faith in Simmons signals the type of culture the Chiefs are building—one where effort, resilience, and perseverance are the keys to success. As Reid put it, "When Josh returns, there’s no limit to what this team can accomplish."
