Brian Branch Appeals One-Game Suspension After Chiefs Brawl — Claims NFL Punishment Is ‘Excessive’ and Unfair

Detroit, MI – October 14, 2025

Just 24 hours after being suspended for his post-game punch on Kansas City Chiefs receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch isn’t backing down quietly — he’s officially appealing the NFL’s one-game suspension handed down on Monday.

According to a report from NBC Sports’ ProFootballTalk, Branch filed his appeal late Monday evening through the NFL Players Association, arguing that the punishment was “excessive” for what he called an “emotional reaction” following repeated missed calls and physical play that went unchecked throughout the game.

If the suspension stands, Branch will forfeit roughly $76,000 in weekly game salary. However, a league source told ProFootballTalk that the appeals process will move quickly given Detroit’s upcoming Monday Night Football

matchup, meaning a final ruling could arrive within days.

Branch’s defense reportedly cites precedent from previous cases where players involved in on-field altercations — such as Trent Williams and Davante Adams

— received fines rather than suspensions for comparable behavior. His representatives argue that a financial penalty would be more “consistent with prior discipline” for post-game incidents.

“I lost my cool, I admit that,”

Branch said in his earlier statement. “But I never intended to disrespect the game. I just felt like things weren’t being called fair, and my emotions got the better of me. Still, I’ll face whatever comes next like a man.”

The NFL’s disciplinary office, led by vice president Jon Runyan, emphasized that Branch’s suspension was imposed due to “unsportsmanlike conduct and post-game violence”, calling it a “dangerous escalation” that required decisive action.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell confirmed the appeal but declined to comment further, saying only: “Brian’s aware of how serious this is. He knows we’ve got to play smart, not emotional. But I stand by my guys.”

As the league reviews Branch’s case, the debate continues across the NFL community — was this a momentary lapse of control, or a sign that officiating frustrations are reaching a boiling point in Detroit?

Either way, the spotlight isn’t leaving Ford Field anytime soon.

Stay tuned to ESPN and NBC Sports for updates on Brian Branch’s appeal.

BREAKING: Baltimore Ravens Fire Charlie Rock Over Controversial Post on Charlie Kirk Shooting

Baltimore, MD – September 11, 2025

The Baltimore Ravens have terminated a staff member following a controversial social media post about the tragic shooting of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a move that quickly drew national attention.

According to reports, the employee — part of the team’s communications staff — posted an image of Kirk with the caption, “Why are y’all sad? Your man said it was worth it …”

The post also referenced Wu-Tang Clan’s track “Protect Ya Neck,” sparking outrage as many interpreted it as mocking Kirk’s death.

The reaction online was immediate and fierce. Fans, commentators, and political figures condemned the remarks as insensitive and unprofessional, demanding accountability from the organization.

Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti addressed the controversy in a statement: “The Baltimore Ravens will never condone words that trivialize violence or loss of life. Charlie Rock’s post was unacceptable and goes against the values of respect, unity, and integrity that we stand for. Our responsibility is to our fans and to our community, and that standard will always come first.”

The decision follows similar actions by the Carolina Panthers and Kansas City Chiefs earlier this week, highlighting how NFL franchises are under increased scrutiny regarding employee conduct online.

Debate quickly surfaced about free expression versus professional accountability, but most agreed that the Ravens’ swift response was necessary to maintain credibility and trust with fans.

For the Ravens, the firing was not just about one individual — it was about reinforcing the organization’s culture of accountability and ensuring that the team’s image reflects its core values both on and off the field.