Tensions reached the sky after the Kansas City Chiefs and the Detroit Lions game. Although the Chiefs won the game  30-17, an off-field incident fueled the controversy, one that potentially has repercussions beyond Week 6.

The incident took place when both teams exited the field. Brian Branch seemed to lash out at Smith-Schuster and slapped him on his helmet. The punch was hard enough to make him bleed, leading to a potential nose injury. However, Smith remained calm while dealing with the media about the whole drama.

“I know he’s a better player than that, a better person,” Smith-Schuster said of Branch. “He’ll learn from his mistakes.” The video clip and extensive media coverage guaranteed the incident would remain in the limelight. But why did it happen at first?

Smith-Schuster speculated that the fight might have been a result of frustration during the game on Branch’s end. That’s why he explained that it was his job to block Branch on runs and passes. According to the reports, the fight happened due to Schuster’s uncalled blindside block late in the game, which Branch didn’t appreciate. “I thought I was a good dude,” Schuster quipped, attempting to dismiss the animosity.

Smith-Schuster had three receptions for 57 yards and assisted Kansas City in leveling their season record at 3–3. On the other hand, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid wasn’t shy about describing the postgame scene. “The guy came up and hit JuJu for what looked like no reason,” Reid told reporters in his press conference. “That’s tough, and he did pretty good damage on JuJu’s nose.” Further reports on his nose injury are yet to come.

But on the Lions’ bench, veteran defensive lineman D.J. Reader spoke to the situation in another tone, stating he intended to have a word with Branch when emotions had subsided. “We’ll have that conversation,” Reader stated. “It’s hard to have that conversation right now because everybody’s trying to have the conversation. I’m sure I’ll get a chance to talk to him, but it’s tough because he’s got that stinger for a reason as a player and you don’t ever want to take that away, but you also want him to be smart. Not only for us, but also for himself. To protect his money, to protect him.”

The loss came as a sobering end to Detroit’s four-game winning streak and an opportunity to keep their standing as one of the hottest teams in the NFC.

Nevertheless, Branch has admitted his fault.

Brian Branch takes the blame, but could be penalized by the NFL!

After the altercation, Branch publicly took the blame. He accepted that his behavior was caused by frustration and referred to his actions as “childish.”

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

Branch also went on to say that earlier in the game, Smith-Schuster reportedly blocked him in the back illegally — an act Branch says occurred right in front of the officials but wasn’t penalized. “I got blocked in the back illegally … in front of the ref. The ref didn’t do anything,” Branch continued. “I could’ve got hurt … but I still should not have done that.”

While his comment indicates remorse, it is not likely to protect him from league disciplinary action. Branch, in his third year, already has a reputation for operating on the edge. He has been fined three times this season alone and was flagged seven times last season as well. His increasing fine history will be taken into account in the NFL’s ruling.

As per the league’s fine policy, the slap may fall under “Striking/Kicking,” which would have a minimum of a $12,172 fine. But in case the incident is classified as falling under the “fighting” umbrella, the first offense could fetch an even higher penalty of $40,686.

The league’s response to this situation will probably be interpreted as a message to players throughout the NFL regarding the need to remain professional, even after the game.