Suspension of Lions' Brian Branch for Postgame Fight vs. Chiefs Upheld on Appeal

The one-game suspension of Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch was upheld Wednesday by a hearing officer appointed by the NFL and the NFL Players' Association.

Jordy Nelson, the hearing officer, denied the appeal by Branch, who was suspended for a game without pay by the league Monday for unsportsmanlike conduct following a loss at Kansas City.

Branch punched Chiefs receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster on Sunday night, setting off a postgame melee.

Detroit (4-2) will host NFC South-leading Tampa Bay (5-1) without Branch, another blow for a team with a banged-up secondary.

In a letter to Branch, Jon Runyan, the league vice president of football operations, wrote: "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 Branch's conduct reflected poorly on the NFL and had no place in the game.

Branch will be eligible to return to the active roster on Tuesday, Oct. 21, during the team’s bye week ahead of its home game against NFC North rival Minnesota on Nov. 2.

After Kansas City beat Detroit 30-17, quarterback Patrick Mahomes extended his hand toward Branch and the third-year pro walked past the superstar. Smith-Schuster then walked toward Branch. They exchanged a few words and Branch responded by throwing a right hook that knocked Smith-Schuster to the ground.

Smith-Schuster leaped to his feet and went after Branch. Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco tried to get between them, but Branch ripped Smith-Schuster’s helmet off as a slew of players converged on the scrum.

Smith-Schuster came away with a bloody nose.

Branch addressed his actions after the game.

"I did a little childish thing, but I’m