Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh has finally apologized for his unsportsmanlike conduct during his team’s 27-15 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving Day.
During the game’s third quarter, Suh tussled with Packers offensive lineman Evan Dietrich-Smith after the Lions prevented Green Bay from scoring on a third-and-goal situation. After repeatedly pushing down Dietrich-Smith’s helmet into the turf, Suh stepped down hard with his right foot, appearing to make contact with his opponent’s right arm.
In addition to being ejected from the game and earning his team a penalty for his actions, Suh was publicly chastised by his club for initially claiming his innocence in regards to the incident.
In response to all the negative attention he was receiving, the 24-year-old former Cornhusker took to his official Facebook account on Friday and wrote:
“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 cal…m and determined demeanor, which cannot be derailed by the game, referee calls, fans or other players.”
Suh, who is no stranger to “unsportsmanlike” play having been fined over $40k for other questionable hits in his past, concluded his apology by saying:
“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.”
An NFL spokesperson said today it’s “a safe assumption” that the league will review the Suh stomp next week to determine whether or not more discipline his merited.
Do you think Ndamukong Suh should be fined and/or suspended for his actions or is that level of roughness just a part of the game?
via ESPN