Stephen A. Smith calls for Brian Branch to be ‘SUSPENDED IMMEDIATELY’ | First Take

Post-Game Incident and Brawl [1:33]

• The Kansas City Chiefs defeated the Detroit Lions with a final score of 30 to 17.
• After the game, Lions safety Brian Branch was approached by Patrick Mahomes for a handshake, which Branch ignored.
• This was followed by an exchange of words between Branch and Juju Smith-Schuster.
• The incident escalated into a brawl on the field.

This section describes the immediate aftermath of the game, focusing on the interaction between Brian Branch and Patrick Mahomes, which led to a physical altercation with Juju Smith-Schuster and a subsequent field brawl. The speaker emphasizes the surprising and unacceptable nature of the event.

"I love Brian Branch, but what he did is inexcusable and uh it's not going to be accepted here. It's not what we do. It's not what we're about."

League Review and Potential Suspension [2:26]

• The incident is under review by the league.
• One speaker strongly believes Branch should be suspended immediately, with the number of games to be determined by others who played.
• There is no excuse for the behavior exhibited by Branch.
• The refusal to shake Mahomes' hand preceded the physical altercation.
• The league will consider Branch's past behavior and personal file penalties, suggesting a pattern of behavior.
• A suspension for a game is considered likely and acceptable.
• The league will also review Patrick Mahomes' role in attempting to break up the fight.

This part of the discussion focuses on the league's response and the immediate disciplinary actions that are anticipated. The speakers are unanimous in their condemnation of Branch's actions and the expectation of a suspension, citing his past record as a contributing factor.

"Well, first of all, he should be suspended immediately."

Unacceptable Conduct and Team Reflection [3:27]

• Players are not obligated to shake hands with opponents.
• However, retaliating after the game for events that occurred during play is unacceptable.
• Actions like being blocked in the back or receiving a cracked back are for referees to officiate during the game.
• Retaliating physically after the game, such as punching someone in the helmet, is inexcusable and stupid.
• Such actions put the player and their team in jeopardy.
• Branch misrepresented the organization flagrantly and publicly.
• A suspension should come from both the league and the Detroit Lions.

The focus here shifts to the fundamental principles of sportsmanship and the consequences of actions taken outside the context of live play. The speakers articulate that what happens on the field should stay on the field, and post-game retaliation is a serious breach of conduct.

"It's inexcusable to go after the game and punch somebody in the helmet. It's also stupid."

Verbal Intensity in NFL and Emotional Control [5:05]

• NFL games are known for the most slanderous and reckless talk compared to other sports.
• Despite the intensity, Branch's actions were inexcusable, especially concerning the perceived risk to his career and the team.
• Players need to exhibit emotional intelligence and control their emotions.
• What happens within the whistles should be the end of the matter.
• Branch's actions will be used as an example by the league and the Detroit Lions.
• Players should strive not to be the one used as an example for negative reasons.

This segment delves into the emotional aspect of professional football, acknowledging the high stakes and intense emotions. However, it reiterates that these emotions do not justify post-game altercations, stressing the importance of self-control and the negative repercussions of becoming a cautionary tale.

"Where's your emotional intelligence, right? Where is your understanding of saying hey I have to control my emotions because everything as you know RC says within the whistle it's done you know are you frustrated yes cool at the same time you shouldn't go and have this type of act"

Branch's History and Pattern of Behavior [9:38]

• The discussion revisits Brian Branch's history, noting he has been fined 13 times for approximately $130,000 for infractions.
• These infractions include face mask penalties, low blocks, taunting, obscene gestures, helmet-to-helmet hits, and fighting.
• A recent fine of $23,186 was issued for face masking and unsportsmanlike conduct.
• Money is a significant motivator for NFL players, and these fines represent a tangible loss.
• Branch's history suggests a lack of control and a pattern of risky behavior.
• His current outburst, combined with his penalty history, could lead to him being grouped with players who lack emotional regulation or impulse control.
• This is contrasted with the belief that Branch is fundamentally a better player than his actions might suggest.

This detailed examination of Branch's financial penalties and the types of infractions he has committed serves to build a case for more severe league action. The emphasis on the financial impact underscores the seriousness with which the league treats these violations.

"The same guy has been fined 13 times, okay, for approximately $130,000 for infractions."

The "In-Between the Whistles" Mentality [12:33]

• A three-time Super Bowl champion and "greatest quarterback of this generation" stated, "We play the game in between the whistles."
• This quote emphasizes that extracurricular activities outside of game play are secondary.
• Patrick Mahomes' comment in the immediate aftermath of the conflict contributes to heightened skepticism about Branch's actions.
• The concept of playing "in-between the whistles" is presented as the standard for professional conduct.

This section introduces a powerful quote that encapsulates the prevailing philosophy of disciplined play within the NFL. The speaker uses this quote to underscore the importance of adhering to game rules and the unacceptable nature of actions taken outside of the designated playing time.

"We play the game in between the whistles."