The man voted as the “NFL’s dirtiest player” in a recent SI.com player poll will be able to add some additional “accolades” to his resume. Detroit Lions star defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh will miss the team’s next two games after an unsuccessful suspension appeal.
Suh received the penalty after being ejected from the Lions’ Thanksgiving Day game versus the Green Bay Packers, when he stomped the arm of a grounded player in frustration. After his ejection, the Lions’ defense crumbled en route to a loss.
Suh initially denied the stomp was intentional, but later apologized for his actions.
According to ESPN.com, Suh’s suspension will cost him $164,000 is salary. But considering his $68 million contract ($40M of which is guaranteed), the missed games will likely be more of a deterrent than the missing paychecks.
Suh is approching an interesting crossroads. He is undoubtedly one of the most dominant defensive players in the league. While his reckless, bad-boy reputation may help him intimidate opponents, referees and league officials will be watching his every move with intense scrutiny.
The all-pro defensive tackle’s brute and bullish game would’ve been a perfect fit in Jack Tatum and Jack Lambert’s “anything goes” NFL, but Roger Goodell’s reign won’t tolerate such brutality.
Hopefully Suh can find a balance and continue pummelling his opponents without penalizing his team or his legacy.
