“The NFL is clueless”: Fans react as Lions' Brian Branch gets suspended for slapping JuJu Smith-Schuster

Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch and Kansas City Chiefs receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster were involved in a confrontation following their Week 6 encounter on Sunday.

Smith-Schuster went after Branch after the Lions safety did not acknowledge Patrick Mahomes following the game. Branch, upset with the loss, struck the wide receiver in the face, sparking a confrontation between the two teams.

The league announced on Monday that the safety would be suspended for one game due to his actions. He'll miss the crucial game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday, which could have major playoff implications for the NFC.

NFL fans were unhappy with the league's decision to suspend only Branch and not Smith-Schuster, who they believed sparked the altercation.

"That is f'ed.... Schuster came after him! The NFL is clueless!", argued a fan.

"Somehow, JuJu has done something more embarrassing than his Tik Toks," a fan wrote.

Isenhart Stables 🐎🌹 $CROWN

@IsenhartStables

And nothing for JuJu I’m sure?

athletic_onesf🧀🏈

@athletic_onesf

And Juju gets nothing?

Shawny

@ShawnyRipz

And JuJu gets nothing for his illegal hit hahaha Classic NFL

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Brian Branch will miss an important game for NFC playoff purposes

Branch has quickly become an important player for the Detroit Lions. He was a second-round pick in the 2023 NFL draft and instantly became a starter for Dan Campbell's team. He was voted to the Pro Bowl in 2024 following a season with four interceptions.

The Lions have a 4-2 record and will next host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who are 5-1. This will be a pivotal game for playoff purposes, as both teams are in contention for the NFC's first seed. The advantage in the head-to-head matchup could be key late in the season.

The Lions also trail the Green Bay Packers, who boast a 3-1-1 record, in the NFC North. A second straight loss would diminish their chances of a third division title.