NFL Announces Punishments for Two New Lions Players Following Brian Branch Suspension

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Cole Sullivan | Last updated Oct 18, 2025 5:21 PM ET

The Detroit Lions have put their matchup against the Kansas City Chiefs behind them as they prepare to take on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on "Monday Night Football."

However, following the heated postgame brawl between the two teams — which led to a one-game suspension for Detroit CB Brian Branch, who started the altercation — two other Lions players have now been fined. The NFL announced the penalties on Saturday, along with 19 others across the league from Week 6.

Defensive tackle Tyler Lacy was fined $5,722 for an incident at the 14:17 mark of the third quarter, while linebacker Alex Anzalone received a $12,172 fine for an unnecessary roughness penalty at the 4:18 mark of the fourth quarter.

Check out the play that led to Anzalone's fine:

Lions LB Alex Anzalone was fined $12,172 for “unnecessary roughness” on this play against the Chiefs last week

(via: @rich_silva18) pic.twitter.com/C869Hn8CSu
— (@the_det_times) October 18, 2025

Anzalone’s punishment drew some backlash, as fans argued it didn’t warrant a fine — particularly given that no Chiefs players were penalized for any of the incidents that occurred during the Week 6 clash.

"Is this a joke?!?!" A fan said.

Someone else added, "League is so soft."

Another person wrote, "Are you kidding me!"

"The NFL is so [explicit] soft," a fan reacted.

One more fan commented, "This + No Chiefs fines is just the perfect capper on the NFL weeklong [explicit] for that team. Unbelievable, and yet they aren't even trying to hide it anymore."

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell© Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images© Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

Brian Branch attempted to appeal his suspension but was quickly denied. He is now set to miss this week’s game against the Buccaneers, who enter at 5-1 overall — one game ahead of the Lions. This matchup could carry significant playoff implications if both teams remain atop the NFC down the stretch of the season.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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