Veteran safety Brian Branch's immature action at the end of the Detroit Lions-Kansas City Chiefs game has taken over the headlines since the end of the game. The star defender slapped Chiefs wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster, causing a brawl between the teams that resulted in his immediate one-game suspension.
But even though Branch accepted his responsibility for the "little childish thing" he did, he isn't accepting the suspension. Instead, he is appealing, according to one of NFL insider Ian Rapoport's sources.
Brian Branch's Availability for Week 7 Up in the Air After Suspension Appeal
As things stand now, Branch is going to be unavailable to suit up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7. The league will decide on the appeal in the upcoming days, leaving the 23-year-old defender's availability up in the air until then.
There have been previous instances where an appeal on similar incidents has worked out for the player. Trent Williams and Davante Adams engaged in similar acts without a one-game suspension, as NBC Sports' Mike Florio points out. Being forced to miss a game without pay is costing Branch $76,611, making it understandable as to why he would want to appeal.
In his post-game remarks, Branch focused on the Chiefs playing dirty between plays and trying to "bully" him. He still showed remorse and apologized. Whether that will be a part of his defense and factor into the outcome of the appeal is unclear.
Yet, even if Branch's suspension is lifted, the Lions have the right to discipline the safety. Head coach Dan Campbell was furious with his player after the game, calling what he did "inexcusable" and "it's not what we're about." He went on to apologize to Kansas City HC Andy Reid and the Chiefs organization. It was obvious that the Lions' head coach thought that Branch had crossed a line, meaning it isn't unfathomable that he might impose some sort of disciplinary action even if Branch were to win his appeal with the league.
With how decimated the Lions already are on the defensive side of the ball, especially the secondary, this storyline will be the one to watch this week. Without Branch, the Lions' coaching staff will have to shuffle things around even more in the short-handed defensive backfield.
How the NFL responds to this appeal and whether the Lions will have any further disciplinary action will be a huge factor as they take on the 5-1 Bucs.