Robert Griffin III Calls for Suspension of Lions Star After Chiefs Game

Former NFL star and current ESPN analyst Robert Griffin III has called for Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch to be suspended following a heated postgame altercation with Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster.

The incident occurred moments after the Chiefs sealed a 30-17 victory over the Lions on Sunday Night Football. As players met on the field, things quickly turned hostile and the confrontation left both teams stunned.

On X, Griffin III didn’t mince words.

“Brian Branch started the fight in the field. Brian Branch threw a punch and knocked JuJu Smith-Schuster down. Brian Branch should be suspended. THERE IS NO PLACE IN SPORTS FOR THAT,” he wrote.

Griffin’s post quickly went viral, adding more pressure on the NFL to review Branch’s behavior in what many called one of the ugliest endings to a primetime game this season.

Chiefs vs. Lions Ends in Chaos

The game itself was a convincing win for Kansas City, led by Patrick Mahomes, who threw for 257 yards and three touchdowns. But the focus after the final whistle shifted to the melee that erupted near midfield.

According to multiple broadcasts, Mahomes first approached Branch for a handshake, but the Lions safety walked past him without acknowledgment. As Smith-Schuster extended his hand next, Branch struck him in the facemask, knocking the veteran receiver to the ground.

Smith-Schuster jumped back up, visibly upset, and chased after Branch as players from both sides stormed the field. Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco and others tried to separate the two as the scuffle intensified.

Records show Branch has been fined $118,391 over the past two seasons, most recently for a low block in Week 3 against the Baltimore Ravens.

Dan Campbell: “It’s Not What We Do Here”

After the game, Lions head coach Dan Campbell strongly condemned his player’s behavior.

“I love Brian Branch, but what he did is inexcusable and it’s not going to be accepted here,” Campbell told reporters. “It’s not what we do. I apologized to Coach [Andy] Reid and the Chiefs. That’s not OK.”

Campbell hinted that the Lions organization would handle additional discipline internally, even before the league announced any decision. Branch later addressed the media, admitting he acted out of frustration.

“It was childish,” he said. “I’m tired of people doing stuff in between the play and refs don’t catch it. They be trying to bully me out there. I should have never did it.”

Smith-Schuster, for his part, expressed confusion.

“I expected to shake his hand and say good game,” he said. “But he threw a punch.”

The receiver reportedly left the field holding his nose, leading some to speculate he may have suffered a minor injury from the blow.

Under NFL rules, striking another player, especially after the final whistle, typically results in fines or suspensions.

Griffin’s statement echoed the sentiment of many players and fans who felt the act crossed a clear line. The Lions, now 4-2, will prepare to face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers next week, but questions remain about whether Branch will be available.

Meanwhile, the Chiefs improved to 3-3 and will host the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 7 as they continue to build momentum in the AFC West.

How Red Sox ‘Hurt Themselves' With Jarren Duran Trade Decision

The Boston Red Sox enjoyed a surprising turnaround this year after trading away franchise slugger Rafael Devers, reaching the playoffs for the first time in four years.

But after a first-round loss to the rival New York Yankees, the Red Sox might be wondering what other moves they could have made to improve the roster.

Throughout the year, the Red Sox seemed to be on the cusp of trading away outfielder Jarren Duran, as they faced a logjam in the outfield position and other teams valued his contract controllability. But ultimately, the Red Sox hung onto him, and could now be regretting it.

"The Red Sox blew two great chances to trade Jarren Duran when his value was sky high," according to The Boston Globe's Dan Shaughnessy. "They hurt themselves by waiting too long on Duran."

Shaughnessy noted that the Red Sox could have commanded "a bundle" for Duran had they traded him after last year's breakout season and that this past trade deadline was another good chance to sell high on him. Now, though, he's coming off of a harsh postseason that could reduce his potential trade value.

Meanwhile, the Red Sox are still facing a crowded outfield, with Duran, Roman Anthony, Ceddanne Rafaela and Wilyer Abreu all set to compete for time next year. As a result, the team might still seek a trade of Duran, though he won't command the same kind of return that he would have last winter.

“Jarren Duran did not come close to replicating his 8.7 WAR breakout performance from 2024," Joe Reuter wrote for Bleacher Report. "However, the Red Sox will enter the 2026 season with an abundance of outfielders … and after a summer of trade rumblings Duran could again be one of the most talked about players on the market."

The Red Sox might regret holding onto Duran for this long, but that doesn't mean they wouldn't entertain a lesser offer for their surplus outfielder this winter.

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