The Kansas City Chiefs' win over the Detroit Lions came to a frustrating end on Sunday night, with Lions safety Brian Branch taking it upon himself to start a brawl. Chiefs wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster was the target of the defender's frustration and would exit with a bloodied face after taking a shot from Branch. It was a completely unacceptable set of actions that resulted in a one-game suspension.
However, Branch is not content with this, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, opting to appeal the league's decision ahead of Week 7, leaving the Chiefs to await a decision.
Chiefs Await League's Obvious Decision After Brian Branch Opts for Surprise Appeal
It is a bit of a surprise that Branch would have any hesitancy in accepting the punishment. There was an obvious lapse in judgment that even his own head coach called out. Lions HC Dan Campbell made it clear this isn't what he wanted his team to be about, and to keep it within the whistle.
The only thing that Branch can manage in his defense is Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes flexing in his face after scoring a touchdown and Smith-Schuster's illegal hit earlier in the game. However, the Lions celebrated to the same level as Mahomes, who simply cannot always hold in the little bit of crazy that makes him so great.
When it comes to the hit from Smith-Schuster, it was in-game and during a play. Hitting Branch from behind wasn't a great decision, but not one that deserved a game-ending brawl.
The Lions' defensive back had plenty of time to get even with the receiver and keep it on the field in between the whistles. Kansas City brings a brand of physicality and intensity that is going to invite conflict. Still, there is no explaining away the chain of events at the end of Sunday's game, and Branch should be forced to serve the suspension and understand the gravity of his actions.
If there was truly a problem, a player should settle it either away from cameras or during the game with their own play. Opting to make it a spectacle with the world watching demands a level of punishment from the league. The NFL cannot allow this type of decision to pass by without consequence, setting a very dangerous precedent.
The league must uphold its original decision, and Chiefs fans will be watching intently to see that justice is served.