Overview
- The NFL suspended Branch one game without pay under Rule 12 for unsportsmanlike conduct, and a hearing officer upheld his appeal.
- Branch rejoined practice after the Lions’ win over the Buccaneers and the team’s bye, saying he could not bring himself to watch the game he missed.
- He said the episode added "another chip" to his shoulder and vowed to keep his intensity within the whistle to avoid a repeat.
- Branch planned a Wednesday baptism after counseling with local contact Flem Peacher, describing it as a personal step rather than a reaction to the ban.
- Teammates and coaches showed support by wearing his No. 32 for the Tampa Bay game, while coaches praised his impact as he returns to a banged-up secondary.