Detroit Lions’ Suh Suspended

By Christine Roy — 11/30/11
If the NFL were a high school, Roger Goodell would be the principal. Ndamukong Suh would be the bully who never learns his lesson. It seems as though his November conversation with Goodell about the rules of the game meant nothing. A Thanksgiving stomping has earned Suh a two game suspension.
In what looks like a blatant act, Suh shoved Green Bay Packer Evan Dietrich-Smith’s helmet into the ground and then stomped on his arm. Suh was ejected from the game for kicking and is now short $164,000. He is not allowed to be at the practice facility during the suspension. After the game Suh apologized to his fans, coaches and teammates for letting them down. He also called Goodell to try to clear the air.
Whether he likes it or not, Suh is gaining the reputation of being a dirty player. Since he entered the league in 2010, he has eight personal fouls. He and teammate Cliff Avril are tied for the most personal fouls in the league in that time span.
Suh has appealed his suspension and a hearing will be held to determine his future. Appeals of discipline for on field action do not go through Goodell. Art Shell will be the appeals officer for this case.
If the suspension holds, the Lions will miss Suh’s presence on the field. He has 31 tackles and three sacks on the year. As of this moment the Lions would not make the playoffs. They are 7-4 but will lose tiebreakers to the Chicago Bears and the Atlanta Falcons. The Lions’ next game is Sunday night in New Orleans against Drew Brees and the Saints.