The Kansas City Chiefs' big win over the Detroit Lions ended on a low note. Lions defensive back Brian Branch refused to shake Patrick Mahomes' hand, and he later confronted and punched JuJu Smith-Schuster.
Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco tried to break things up and separate players before things got out of hand, but it still got pretty heated before both teams ultimately left the field. However, despite Branch's questionable actions, Smith-Schuster didn't want to throw him under the bus.
JuJu Smith-Schuster Advocates For Brian Branch
“Of course, you’re going to have some chatter, people are going to be talking. That’s during the game. That’s between the whistles,” the Chiefs' veteran said of Branch, per Matt Derrick of ChiefsDigest.com. “I know he’s a better player than that, and a better person. He’ll learn from his mistakes.”
Smith-Schuster, who has a reputation for being a bit of an instigator, explained what went down between the two, stating that he didn't want to tease Branch. He just wanted to shake his hand before Branch punched him. He admitted to being blindsided by that move, but he still has nothing but respect for him:
“He’s a great player," Smith-Schuster said. “After the game, I expected to shake his hand and say good game and move past, but he threw a punch. Me just blocking him, just doing my job. I play between the whistles, and after the game he took advantage. Yeah, he was frustrated, for sure frustrated.”
The league may not feel the same way. Roger Goodell will likely lay the hammer, as Branch is looking at a hefty fine and potentially even a short-term suspension. As for the Chiefs' veteran, he's unlikely to be fined for whatever he may have told him, but his reaction may also cost him some money.
Smith-Schuster had another big game for Andy Reid's team, hauling in three receptions on as many targets for 57 yards, the second-most on the team. He's up to 19 catches on 24 targets for 225 yards and one touchdown for the season, and he's been one of Patrick Mahomes' security valves all year long.
Now, he might have to take a bit of a backseat. The Chiefs will finally have Rashee Rice back on the field after serving his six-game suspension, and they will certainly look to get him going early and often in that divisional matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders.