Lions’ Dan Campbell Sounds Off on Brian Branch Punch in Chiefs Postgame Melee
There was plenty for Dan Campbell to be upset about during the Detroit Lions–Kansas City Chiefs game in Week 6. But defensive back Brian Branch added another item to Campbell’s list right after the game.
Cameras caught Branch delivering a punch on Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster at the conclusion of Sunday Night Football. That led to a skirmish between the two teams on the field immediately after the game ended.
Campbell made clear in his postgame press conference that he didn’t support Branch’s postgame actions.
“”Let me start with this,” Campbell told reporters. “I love Brian Branch, but what he did is inexcusable and it’s not going to be accepted here. It’s not what we do, it’s not what we’re about.
“I apologized to coach [Andy] Reid and the Chiefs and [JuJu Smith-]Schuster. That’s not OK. That’s not what we do here, and it’s not gonna be OK. He knows it, our team knows it. That’s not what we do.”
Branch delivered his punch on the receiver after the Chiefs wideout appearing to be offering his hand for a postgame handshake. Branch also didn’t accept a handshake from Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes just before the incident with Smith-Schuster.
Dan Campbell Delivers Clear Message on Brian Branch Punch
Football can be a frustrating game. But clearly, Branch crossed the line following Detroit’s loss at Kansas City.
It’s rare for head coaches and teammates not to support the players on their team. But Branch was so far over the line that, quite frankly, it would have been inexcusable to defend him.
BREAKING: Four Referees Suspended After Controversial Saints vs. Patriots Game
In a stunning development following the New Orleans Saints' 19–25 loss to the New England Patriots in Week 6, the NFL has announced the suspension of four referees who officiated the game. The league's investigation revealed that the officiating crew overlooked several key violations committed by the Patriots, significantly impacting the game's outcome and leading to an unfair defeat for the Saints.
The game, held at Caesars Superdome on October 12, 2025, saw the Patriots control the action from the start, but a series of controversial calls—or lack thereof—shifted the momentum in favor of New England.
One of the most glaring missed calls occurred when Patriots linebacker Matt Judon appeared to hold Saints offensive lineman Trevor Penning during a key rushing touchdown by Rachaad White in the second quarter. The no-call allowed White to extend his run and put the Patriots further ahead, leaving Saints fans and players alike questioning the integrity of the officiating.
Additionally, a pivotal moment in the third quarter saw Saints wide receiver Chris Olave clearly pushed out of bounds by Patriots cornerback Jalen Mills on a potential game-changing catch. The referees failed to throw a flag, and the Patriots were able to regain possession, ultimately leading to another touchdown. This no-call deepened the frustration among Saints fans, who felt that key plays were being missed.
The NFL’s decision to suspend the four referees underscores the seriousness with which the league views officiating integrity. In a statement, the NFL emphasized its commitment to ensuring fair play and accountability, noting that the suspensions are part of an ongoing review process aimed at maintaining the highest standards of officiating.
For the Saints, the loss marks their fifth defeat of the season, leaving their record at 1–5. Despite the setback, the team remains focused on their upcoming matchup against the
As the NFL continues its investigation into the officiating crew, the Saints' organization and their supporters await further developments, hoping for accountability and transparency in the league's handling of this contentious issue.
