Detroit Lions Players Criticize NFL Films for Deleted Video

Players in the Detroit Lions locker room have expressed strong disapproval regarding a recently deleted video from NFL Films that featured suspended safety Brian Branch. The video was part of the “Turning Point” online series and was perceived as overly critical of Branch following his one-game suspension for unsportsmanlike conduct.

The controversial one-minute clip, narrated by ESPN analyst Louis Riddick, highlighted Branch’s mistakes during the Lions’ 30-17 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on March 7, 2024. Amon-Ra St. Brown, an All-Pro receiver for the Lions, reacted with disbelief at the video’s content. “I thought that video was crazy,” he stated. “I don’t know why it was released or the reasoning behind it.”

St. Brown emphasized Branch’s character, stating, “He’s one of the nicest dudes. He made a mistake and he knows it and he apologized.” He questioned why the NFL chose to release a video that seemed to mock a player’s error rather than allow him to move on from the incident.

Branch’s suspension was imposed after he struck Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, which escalated into a brief altercation at the end of the game. The NFL confirmed the suspension after an appeal on March 12, 2024.

Lions defensive lineman DJ Reader also criticized the video, calling it “strange.” He pointed out the inconsistency in the NFL’s messaging about glorifying unsportsmanlike actions while simultaneously airing a video that highlighted Branch’s missteps. “If you’re trying to move on, then move on,” Reader remarked. His concern extended to the implications of trust between players and the league, stating, “As a player, how can you trust the shield now?”

In response to the backlash, Riddick issued a statement on social media clarifying the intent behind the “Turning Point” series. He acknowledged that the clip could be interpreted as casting the Lions or Branch in a negative light. “I will be sure to make certain that anything that has my name attached to it will never again leave room for it to be interpreted that way in the future,” Riddick noted.

The NFL also addressed the controversy, explaining the rationale behind the video’s deletion. In a formal statement, the league acknowledged that the segment felt overly critical when viewed in isolation on social media. “That particular sequence felt different to us, as part of a nine-minute breakdown of the Lions-Chiefs game, than it did as a standalone excerpt,” the statement read.

As the Lions prepare for their upcoming games, the incident raises questions about the portrayal of players in media and the impact of public scrutiny on their careers. The players’ reactions highlight the importance of support and understanding within the league, particularly in moments of mistakes and growth.