https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/breaking-news/article/chiefs-wr-juju-smith-schuster-avoids-fine-for-block-in-the-back-that-led-to-brawl-brian-branch-suspension-143800253.html
Kansas City Chiefs wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster was not fined for a block in the back that led to an end-of-game brawl involving Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch.
The block, which was not penalized during the game, occurred with just over three minutes to play in the Chiefs’ 30-17 win over Detroit in Week 6.
On a running play, Smith-Schuster waited until Branch was parallel with him before knocking him to the ground. Smith-Schuster then stepped over Branch. The two appeared to exchange words after the play, though the situation did not escalate on that play.
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But once the contest was over, Branch let Smith-Schuster know the hit was not appreciated. After the game, Branch walked up to Smith-Schuster and slapped him in the helmet. Smith-Schuster went to the ground and then ran at Branch and started shoving him. That’s when players from both teams got involved.
Branch expressed frustration after the game, saying he was sick of referees missing those calls. He accused the Chiefs of trying to bully him. Branch did acknowledge that his actions after the game were “childish.” Lions coach Dan Campbell wasn’t happy about the situation either, saying Branch’s actions were “inexcusable.”
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The NFL agreed, handing Branch a one-game suspension Monday. Branch appealed that suspension, but the league upheld it Wednesday. Because of that, the Lions won’t have Branch when the team takes on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday.
Smith-Schuster, meanwhile, is good to go in Week 7 against the Raiders.
https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/breaking-news/article/chiefs-wr-juju-smith-schuster-avoids-fine-for-block-in-the-back-that-led-to-brawl-brian-branch-suspension-143800253.html
