Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh has been suspended for his team’s wild-card playoff game against the Dallas Cowboys this weekend.
Suh, who has a reputation for being one of the dirtiest players in the league, stepped on Aaron Rodgers during the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers. Many felt that Suh cleated Rodgers intentionally. You can watch the play here.
While it is difficult to prove intent given that Suh wasn’t looking at Rodgers when he stepped on him, his history of similar behavior undoubtedly factored into the league’s decision to suspend Suh for the most important game of the year. The 27-year-old has thrown cheap shots at opponents on numerous occasions. Some teammates have even said he does it during practice.
Rodgers was also playing with a calf injury on Sunday, which made Suh’s actions seem even more intentional.
Suh will appeal the suspension. If he loses the appeal, a team that has had one of the top defensive units all season will be without arguably its best player.
