Since being drafted 2nd overall out of the University of Nebraska in 2010, Ndamukong Suh has single-handedly transformed the Detroit Lions defensive line into a force to be reckoned with and has put fear into quarterbacks like only a few other players have. But it's his temper and bad decisions on the field that has overshadowed his dazzling play. In only his second year in the league, Suh has already compiled a number of unsportsmanlike antics that have hurt both his wallet and now his team. His most recent incident however might be his worst yet.
While hosting the defending Super Bowl Champion Green Bay Packers in front of a national television audience on Thanksgiving, Suh added another eyebrow-raising decision to his resume by stomping on the arm of Packers offensive lineman Evan Dietrich-Smith while he was on the ground. The WWE-like stomp which took place in the third quarter resulted in an ejection as Suh watched the rest of the game from the locker room as the Packers went on to route the Lions by a score of 27-15 to improve on their perfect season.
The timing of Suh's actions do come as somewhat of a surprise given it was only a few weeks ago when Suh requested to meet with commissioner Goodell in person to discuss how he should properly go about conducting himself on the field to avoid being dealt penalties as well as another fine after already receiving $42,000 worth of fines over the last 15 months. But if money isn't getting Suh's attention perhaps the loss of playing time will as the league office has issued out a two game suspension without pay to the reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year. And with the playoffs only six weeks away, Suh's suspension could prove to be costly for his teams playoff hopes as Detroit is currently trying to hold off the Atlanta Falcons and Chicago Bears for a position in the NFC Wild Card.
Though the Lions have only gotten better since Suh's arrival, his image on the other hand has continued to take a blow as it comes as no surprise Suh was ranked the league's dirtiest player according to a poll taken by the players earlier this year. Suh's explanation and comments for his actions following the game were also questionable as he issued an apology to his teammates, the organization and the fans, but refused to apologize to Dietrich-Smith as well as admit to his wrongdoing. In a post-game interview Suh claimed he had done nothing wrong and denied the stomp saying he was trying to regain his balance. Suh's presence will be most missed this upcoming week when the Lions pay a trip to the Superdome where they'll face a tough New Orleans Saints squad.
Leading the NFL with nine personal fouls under his belt this season, Suh will soon be the most supervised player in the league when he returns to the football field in week 15 to take on the Raiders, replacing last year's bully in James Harrison.
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