| 27 November 2011
If today's media reports are true, Ndamukong Suh will be missing the next couple of games after using his cleats to unsuccessfully add blood drainage holes to the arm of the Packers' Evan Dietrich-Smith (or in Suh's own tone deaf words, "pushing down forcefully to get up and get myself out of the situation").
I agree a suspension is deserved (and guessed after the fact a 2-3 game sit down was on tap), though it's up to the NFL to determine how long and severe the punishment.
First reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter, then parroted by FOX's Jay Glazer, word is Suh will be suspended for at least 2 games by the NFL.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on “Sunday NFL Countdown” today that the NFL will suspend Suh at least two games for the stomping incident in Thursday’s loss to the Green Bay Packers.
Fox’s Jay Glazer tweeted that he’s “hearing 1-2 games suspension but not more” and that the commissioner’s office is meeting today to make a decision.
Despite the claims of Schefter and Glazer and Suh's apparent lack of remorse, CBS Sports' Mike Freeman gives Lions fans hope Suh just might dodge the 2 game bullet.
It is this: if you expect a lengthy, hard punishment for Suh, you might be disappointed. I could be wrong but numerous signs point to Suh getting no more than a fine and one-game suspension.
Here's why. Aside from the notorious Albert Haynesworth head stomp, there hasn't been more than a one-game suspension for on-field violations in the Roger Goodell years, and Suh was tossed for the second half of the game, so that should tell you something.
I'm not at all surprised by the possibility of a long suspension. Suh has a well-earned reputation for very aggressive, if not outright dirty, play. If you dance with the devil, prepare to pay the price when things get out of hand. And they got out of hand in a big way against the Packers.
While I was out of town for the Thanksgiving holiday, both the Lions and Suh released statements about the play in question. The Lions' press release claimed the organization was remorseful for the incident, and expect better from Suh from here on out, but would leave any punishment up to the league itself.
ORGANIZATIONAL STATEMENT FROM THE DETROIT LIONS REGARDING NDAMUKONG SUH INCIDENT IN GAME VERSUS GREEN BAY
“The on-field conduct exhibited by Ndamukong Suh that led to his ejection from yesterday’s game was unacceptable and failed to meet the high level of sportsmanship we expect from our players.
“Ndamukong has made many positive contributions to the Lions on and off the field. We expect his behavior going forward to consistently reflect that high standard of professionalism.
“We have been in contact with Commissioner Goodell’s office and were advised that, like any on-field matter, Thursday’s incident is subject to review by the League office and that any subsequent discipline would be determined by the League office.”
The statement is pretty much what you'd expect to see from any professional organization with public relations people on staff. Though I have to admit I haven't seen such a high level of sportsmanship from the Lions all season long, from Jim Schwartz on down.
This is an example of the high level of sportsmanship the Lions expect?
Suh's apology was posted on his Suh90 Facebook page. But he needs to keep in mind his ultimate fate is not in his own hands or in those of the Lions. It's in the hands of the NFL suits, who worry about appearances, first, foremost and always. Which is why Suh should at least appear remorseful after the fact.
Which has me wondering why Suh's apology missing the emotion and remorse. Given it reads like a statement likely written by Suh's lawyer and agent, and approved by Lions management, I honestly expected more.
In the past few hours, I have had time to reflect on yesterday's game and I want to sincerely apologize for letting my teammates down, the organization, and especially to my fans who look to me for positive inspiration.
Playing professional sports is not a game. It is a profession with great responsibility, and where performance on and off the field should never be compromised. It requires a calm and determined demeanor, which cannot be derailed by the game, referee calls, fans or other players.
I want to reiterate my commitment to working to become a better player, and professional--on and off the field. My reaction on Thursday was unacceptable. I made a mistake, and have learned from it. I hope to direct the focus back to the task at hand -- by winning.
No apology to Evan Dietrich-Smith? Seems like he should be the FIRST person on Suh's lengthy list of those he should apologize to, rather than his teammates.
If Suh wants to avoid missing a serious amount of time, he would be best served to show a bit more remorse...as in any at all. Otherwise the NFL will be more than happy to do it for him, by saddling Suh with a multiple game suspension while the Lions are struggling to remain in the race for the wild card.
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