Brian Branch (Photo via NFL Films)

The NFL has been accused of running a “smear campaign” against Detroit Lions safety Brian Branch but has curiously deleted a video seemingly belittling the player following his fight with Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster after the latter’s win on ‘Sunday Night Football’ this week.

Branch was not in the mood for handshakes after the Lions’ loss and snubbed Patrick Mahomes’ attempt before hitting JuJu in the face.

His coach, Dan Campbell, criticized him in his postgame press conference, making it clear that this sort of behavior was not acceptable.

Branch also admitted that he shouldn’t have done it, but expressed his frustrations with the Chiefs players and the referees as he referenced an unnecessary blindside hit from JuJu that could have injured him.

NFL Deletes “Hit Piece” On Brian Branch

JuJu Smith-Schuster and Brian Branch (Photo via Twitter)

The NFL announced his punishment the following day, revealing that he will miss Detroit’s ‘Monday Night Football’ clash against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at home due to a one-game suspension.

The league did not stop there, however. Branch was also the subject of a video narrated by Louis Riddick in which the commentator dissected the player’s “rough night,” which ended with him getting violent.

Riddick described various moments in the game, including ones where Brian got taunted and hit, but it was eventually deleted, of course, not before folks saved it. So it’s here to stay.

“The NFL deleted their post about Brian Branch following backlash from players & fans 🤯,” a post reads.

“WOW: NFL Films deleted this video that ripped #Lions safety Brian Branch after the league suspended him. Have never seen anything like this. A HIT PIECE ON A CURRENT PLAYER,” MLFootball tweetee.

“Nah they can’t just take it down after that @NFL @NFLFilms @LRiddickESPN here’s that video you thought would be a great idea to post and run a smear campaign on Brian Branch! Just awful! #DetroitVSEverybody make no mistake about it!” another post noted.

One can certainly understand Branch’s frustrations, but few will argue the suspension, as he will be the first to say he went overboard with his reaction.