Ndamukong Suh scored a big victory Tuesday winning his appeal to overturn a one-game suspension meaning the anchor on the Lions’ defensive line will be available for the Wild Card game against the Cowboys Sunday.
DT @NdamukongSuh has won his appeal and will play at Dallas. Read more: http://t.co/9d50yTe97W pic.twitter.com/OnmQTJKfLV
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) December 30, 2014
Suh initially came under fire from the NFL after stepping on the leg of Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers this past weekend. Additionally in their original ruling Monday, the NFL made mention that the Suh suspension had nothing to do with past offenses (which the DT is no stranger to) and that he’s technically a first time offender based on the League’s new policy. That policy states that a player’s slate will be wiped clean if they go 32 straight games (including the preseason) without any incident. By that 32 game account Suh would be in the clear considering his last infraction came during Week 1 back in 2013.
Instead of the suspension Suh will incur a hefty penalty to the tune of $70K according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Ndamukong Suh fined $70,000 for stepping on Aaron Rodgers' leg. But no suspension. He plays vs. Dallas.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 30, 2014
Suh without question dodged a bullet with this one despite what the League says about not punishing repeat offenders beyond a 32 game window. As a fan of the Lions I’m glad the team will have one of their best defensive players at their disposal since they’re obviously a better squad with Suh on the field. What I’m not going to do though is continue to pretend that Suh is some kind of misunderstood entity in the NFL whose become a victim of some tyrannical League that’s out to get him for no reason. I’m also not going to proclaim some Detroit vs. the World mentality. The ruling in Suh’s favor today obviously proves otherwise.