NFL Makes Final Decision on Punishment for Chiefs-Lions Incident Involving Patrick Mahomes

After the final whistle, Mahomes can be seen offering a postgame handshake to Branch, who did not show any interest in exchanging pleasantries with the Chiefs QB. Instead, the Lions star went straight at Smith-Schuster, throwing an open-handed strike on the Kansas City wideout’s helmet.

Smith-Schuster fell to the ground, but quickly got back up to charge at Branch. The exchange quickly turned into an all-out scuffle, with players from both teams getting involved.

It was a sour end to an otherwise entertaining affair between two of the top sides in the NFL.

On Monday, the NFL announced that Branch has been suspended for one game for his role in the melee. NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan issued a statement on the league’s decision against Branch.

“Your aggressive, non-football act was entirely unwarranted, posed a serious risk of injury, and clearly violated the standards of conduct and sportsmanship expected of NFL players,” Runyan said. “Your conduct reflected poorly on the NFL and has no place in our game.”

Branch, who accused Smith-Schuster of hitting him from behind during the game, appealed the suspension.

On Wednesday, however, it was revealed that Branch’s appeal has been denied and that his suspension will be upheld. NFL Senior Vice President of Football & International Communications Michael Signora issued a statement on social media.

“Hearing officer Jordy Nelson, jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFLPA, has upheld the one-game suspension of Detroit defensive back Brian Branch,” Signora posted on X.

Branch will now be forced to sit out Detroit’s upcoming “Monday Night Football” matchup against the 5-1 Tampa Bay Buccaneers for Week 7.

While Mahomes was not directly involved in the fight, the Chiefs QB had some strong words about the incident. The two-time AP MVP was asked about the altercation during his postgame interview on the field, and Mahomes got brutally honest in his response.

“I mean, we play the game in between the whistles,” he told NBC sideline reporter Melissa Stark. “They can do all the extracurricular stuff they want to do, but we play the game between the whistles.

“I thought we played a great game today, and we’ll keep this momentum moving forward.”

Mahomes and Co. will be back in action on Sunday in a home game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs will be looking to improve on their 3-3 record.