After a sluggish start to the season, the Kansas City Chiefs just beat the best offensive team this season, the Detroit Lions, 30-17. But that outcome was quickly eclipsed by a postgame fray: as players were leaving the field, Lions defensive back Brian Branch appeared to slap Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith‑Schuster in the head, an act that caused Smith‑Schuster to bleed from the nose and many to wonder what the league would do.

Although no penalty was levied during the game, as the incident took place afterward, the NFL may still act. According to the league’s established fine system, Branch’s slap would likely qualify under the “Striking/Kicking/Tripping” category, for which a first‑offense fine is $12,172. Since the infraction occurred off the clock, the decision hinges on league examination, precedent, and the impact of the contact.

When the teams were leaving the field, Branch refused Mahomes‘s handshake, which left the QB to merely tap his shoulder pads in return. Shortly thereafter, Smith‑Schuster reached out his hand, only to get a blow that sent him to his knees.

The 28-year-old WR leaped up and charged after Branch as teammates stepped in. The two fought for a brief instant on the grass as players from both benches rushed onto the field. Experts who watched the drama unfold did not hesitate: Cris Collinsworth foresaw, “The league’s going to take action on that one against Branch.”

Mike Tirico also stated that Branch has a prior record of fines, citing “three times this year, seven times last year.”

In the previous five games before this one, Branch has already been fined three times this season. The latest one in Week 3, because of a low block against the Ravens game. He was fined $11,598. Even during Week 1 action, against the Packers, the Lions’ safety received two fines, both at $11,593. He was punished for unsportsmanlike conduct and unnecessary roughness. Till now, he has been fined 13 times in his NFL career, out of which seven came last year only.

Reacting to the incident, head coach Dan Campbell said did not appreciate Branch’s action and even apologized to the hosts.”I love Brian Branch, but what he did is inexcusable. It’s not going to be accepted here.” He continued, “I apologized to [coach] Reid and the Chiefs and Schuster. That’s not OK. That’s not what we do here.” His rebuke explained that Branch’s conduct conflicted with the team’s expectations.

However, in the post-game interview, Brian acknowledged his mistake.

Brian Branch admits his fault

After Smith-Schuster exited the field with a towel clamped over his face, Chiefs coach Andy Reid said there was “pretty good damage” to his nose. The altercation virtually guarantees discipline, at least a fine from the league.

Branch released a remorseful statement while also trying to explain his response. “I did a little childish thing, but I’m tired of people doing stuff in between the play and refs don’t catch it,” he explained. “They be trying to bully me out there. I should’ve never did it. It was childish.”

He asserted that earlier during the game, Smith‑Schuster performed an illegal block to his back, allegedly in front of officials without a flag being thrown. “I got blocked in the back illegally … in front of the ref. The ref didn’t do anything,” he said. “I could’ve got hurt … but I still should not have done that.”

Despite his apology, Branch’s reasoning might not protect him from heavy fines. With an increasing fine tally, he comes into this scandal with the spotlight on him. The league’s ruling will be watched closely, not just for him, but how it maintains control over postgame behavior.

Subject to the NFL’s perception of the incident, Branch’s penalty may remain at the minimum $12,172 for a hit, or, if more serious in the league’s eyes, it can rise to the “fighting” level, which will be more than $40,686 on a first offense. Internal action by Detroit and the public criticism from Campbell could temper internal repercussions, but the league’s reaction will be determinative.