New York, NY – Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh has been suspended two games for his actions in last Thursday's game against the Green Bay Packers.
Suh was ejected from the Thanksgiving Day contest in the third quarter when he was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct. He was caught pushing Green Bay offensive lineman Evan Dietrich-Smith's head to the turf a couple of times, then stomping on his right arm.
The league issued its ruling on Tuesday,
"NFL Vice President of Football Operations Merton Hanks notified Ndamukong Suh today that he has been suspended without pay for the Lions' next two games for his unsportsmanlike conduct in the Lions-Packers game on Thanksgiving Day," the league's statement read. "It was Suh's fifth violation of on-field rules in the past two seasons that has resulted in league discipline. Suh may not practice or be at the team practice facility for any other activities during the two-game suspension. He will be reinstated on December 12. Under the CBA, the suspension may be appealed within three business days. If appealed, an expedited hearing and decision would take place this week in advance of this weekend's games."
The second-year star will miss games against New Orleans and Minnesota before he is eligible to return for the December 18 contest against Oakland. The Lions are 7-4 and battling for a wild card berth in the NFC.
Suh gave a somewhat bizarre explanation of his actions immediately after last week's game, saying he didn't intend to hurt anyone and adding that "the man upstairs knows what I did."
The following day he was more contrite, apologizing and calling his reaction "unacceptable." He also reportedly called NFL commissioner Roger Goodell on Sunday to apologize.
Suh, who has gained a reputation as a dirty player, met with Goodell earlier this month to discuss his style of play. He had been fined earlier this year, incurring a $20,000 penalty for a preseason hit on Cincinnati quarterback Andy Dalton.
In addition, he was fined twice last year as a rookie for hits against Jake Delhomme and Jay Cutler.
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