Lions Rage Against NFL Films Over Removed Brian Branch Low-Lights Video

Brian Branch, the Detroit Lions safety, faces significant scrutiny after a controversial incident during a recent game against the Kansas City Chiefs. His one-game suspension is now compounded by NFL Films’ decision to highlight his mistakes in a promotional video. This decision ignited outrage among Branch’s teammates and fans.

Lions Safety Brian Branch’s Controversial Suspension

Following the Lions’ Week 6 loss to the Chiefs, Branch’s actions led to his suspension. He was penalized for an altercation that occurred after the game, specifically involving JuJu Smith-Schuster.

Incident Overview

Branch reacted to an uncalled illegal block from Smith-Schuster, which escalated quickly. The situation intensified when Branch appeared to ignore a handshake from Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. This apparent snub seemed to provoke Smith-Schuster, prompting Branch to charge at him and initiate a brawl.

The aftermath left Smith-Schuster with a visible injury, highlighting the altercation’s severity. Branch later acknowledged the immaturity of his actions, admitting he felt frustrated by the repeated incidents he’d endured during the game.

NFL Films’ Video and Public Response

Adding to the controversy, NFL Films shared a video that detailed Branch’s performance, focusing on his lowlights. Narrated by Louis Riddick, the video was perceived as overly critical. Following backlash, the NFL removed the video from their social media channels.

NFL’s Statement

The NFL explained that the video did not align with their typical presentation style. According to their statement, it felt “overly critical” in the standalone format, justifying its removal.

Teammates Voice Discontent

Branch’s teammates expressed their displeasure with the video. Amon-Ra St. Brown described the release as “crazy” and questioned the motive behind it. Other players, like Dan Skipper, criticized NFL Films for their lack of accountability regarding the incident.

Conclusion

Brian Branch’s one-game suspension will be in effect during the Lions’ upcoming Monday Night Football match against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As tensions continue to rise around his actions and the media’s portrayal, both Branch and the Lions must navigate the aftermath carefully.