May 2011 - Detroit Lions Wiretap
Suh Called Goodell To Apologize
Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh called commissioner Roger Goodell on Sunday night to apologize for his behavior on Thanksgiving against the Packers, according to a league source.
Suh is expected to be suspended at least two games for shoving Packers offensive lineman Evan Dietrich-Smith's head, stomping on him and then not owning up to it in his post-game comments.
The NFL has not determined exactly how long Suh will be suspended, but league officials believe two games will be the minimum.
Some Teammates Want Suh Suspended
There are some players in the Detroit locker room that want to see defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh suspended for his actions against the Packers on Thanksgiving.
"The interesting thing, there are people in his own locker room that think it's called for," writes Jason La Canfora of the NFL Network.
It has been reported that Suh will be suspended for at least two games by the NFL.
Sources: Suh To Be Suspended At Least Two Games
Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh is expected to be suspended at least two games for shoving Packers offensive lineman Evan Dietrich-Smith's head and stomping on him, according to league sources.
The NFL has not determined exactly how long Suh will be suspended, but league officials believe two games will be the minimum.
The league also could require Suh attend anger management courses.
Lions Have No Plans To Punish Suh
The Lions have no plans to punish defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh for his actions in Thursday's loss to the Packers.
"The league is, obviously, going to look at it, and if there's discipline involved in a case like that, it will come from the NFL," coach Jim Schwartz said.
Suh stomped on the arm of Packers offensive lineman Evan Dietrich-Smith midway through the third quarter of Detroit's 27-15 loss.
Suh was penalized and ejected, and the NFL said it will review the play for potential discipline next week. A fine or suspension is possible.
Ndamukong Suh Apologizes For Stomp
Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh says he has learned his lesson after getting ejected in Thursday's game against the Packers.
"My reaction on Thursday was unacceptable," Suh said in a statement on Friday night. "I made a mistake, and have learned from it. I hope to direct the focus back to the task at hand -- by winning."
The statement appeared on Suh's Facebook page around the same time he was publically chastised by the Lions.
"The on-field conduct exhibited by Ndamukong Suh that led to his ejection from yesterday's game was unacceptable and failed to meet the high level of sportsmanship we expect from our players," the team said.
"Ndamukong has made many positive contributions to the Lions on and off the field. We expect his behavior going forward to consistently reflect that high standard of professionalism."
Detroit Places Best On Injured Reserve
The Lions have announced that running back Jahvid Best is done for the season, having been placed on the injured reserve.
Best has missed the team's last five games since suffering a concussion in the second half of a Week 6 loss to the 49ers.
It was Best's second concussion of the season. He suffered his first in training camp.
NFL Will Review Suh's Actions Next Week
Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, who was ejected in Thursday's loss to the Packers, will have his actions reviewed by the NFL in the coming days.
Plays from Week 12 that would be reviewed for potential discipline will be done under normal circumstances, after all games are completed, an NFL spokesman said.
Suh stepped down with his right foot and appeared to make contact with the right arm of Green Bay offensive lineman Evan Dietrich-Smith.
Suh was flagged for unsportsmanlike conduct and ejected early in the third quarter of Detroit's 27-15 loss to the Packers after the Lions thought they'd stopped the Packers on third down near the Detroit goal line.
A replay showed Suh and Dietrich-Smith scuffling on the ground briefly before the All-Pro defensive tackle first pushed Dietrich-Smith's head into the turf a few times, then stomped on the player's upper right arm.
"I want to apologize to my teammates, my coaches and my true fans for allowing the refs to have an opportunity to take me out of this game," Suh said. "What I did was remove myself from the situation the best way I felt, with me being held down."
Pereira Suggests Multiple Game Suspension For Suh
Former NFL Vice President of Officiating Mike Pereira, who now works for FOX Sports, believes Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh should receive a multiple game suspension.
Suh was ejected from Thursday's game against the Packers after he stepped on an opponent.
"The question won't be if the NFL will suspend [Ndamukong] Suh, but when — and for how many games," Pereira wrote. "Suh's not dirty, he's filthy."
Pereira points out Suh leads the league in personal fouls since entering the league and later suggests a suspension of multiple games.
"Suh met with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell recently to discuss his on-field play and afterward said he had a better understanding of how to play the game within the rules. I would say he needs another lesson — or two. Maybe three," Pereira writes.
Suh Ejected For Stomping On Lineman
Ndamukong Suh was ejected from Detroit’s game against Green Bay on Thursday after he appeared to step on opposing offensive lineman Evan Dietrich-Smith, according to an Associated Press report
NFL Moves Week 13's Lions-Saints To Sunday Night
A change in broadcast networks for the Broncos-Vikings game in Week 13 revealed changes in the way the NFL will broadcast its games.
The NFL on Monday announced that the Lions-Saints game was flexed to the Sunday night spot on NBC.
The Broncos-Vikings game, which originally was on CBS, was switched to Fox at 1 p.m. ET.
Also, the Colts-Patriots game, which was the scheduled Sunday night game on Dec. 4, reverts to 1 p.m. on CBS and the Ravens-Browns game was moved to 4:05 p.m. ET on CBS.
The NFL couldn't leave FOX with only two early games in its doubleheader week, so it took a game from CBS who had eight, according to a league source.
Suh Could See Time At Defensive End
The Lions are dealing with injuries to their regular defensive ends, which may push tackle Ndamukong Suh into duty.
Lions, Bears Fined Combined $63K For Clash
Matthew Stafford was fined $7,500 for grabbing "an opponent by the helmet opening."
Source: NFL Fines Vanden Bosch $7,500
Lions DE Kyle Vanden Bosch has been fined $7,500 for hitting a runner who was already on the ground.
Suh Insists: Lions Are Not A Dirty Team
Detroit's loss to the Bears was a physical game that featured a fight in the fourth quarter.
Stafford Shrugs Off Finger Injury, Will Wear Glove
Matthew Stafford isn't blaming his fractured right index finger for his horrid performance against the Bears on Sunday.
Lions WR Calls Surface At Soldier Field 'Horrible'
Heading into Sunday afternoon's battle between Detroit and Chicago, Lions wide receiver Rashied Davis has criticized the playing surface at Solider Field.
Calvin Johnson Has TD Celebration Planned
Calvin Johnson leads the NFL with 11 receiving touchdowns this season.
Lions Still Expecting Big Things From Fairley
Nick Fairley could see his most extended playing time of the season against Chicago.
Hester Remains Questionable For Sunday
Devin Hester was a no-show on the practice field on Friday is questionable to play against the Lions on Sunday.
Kevin Smith Embraces Second Chance With Lions
The Lions have signed running back Kevin Smith to fortify their backfield, which has been depleted by injuries.
Jahvid Best Likely Out Against Bears
Lions running back Jahvid Best is unlikely to play against the Bears on Sunday as he continues to recover from his most recent concussion.
Lions Bring Back Kevin Smith, Sign Leonard Davis
The Lions finalized two one-year contracts Monday, re-signing running back Kevin Smith and adding former Cowboys guard Leonard Davis.
Tebow Not Bothered By 'Celebrations'
Tim Tebow had no problem with Stephen Tulloch's prayerful pose after sacking him last week.
Suh Appreciated Chance To Talk With Goodell
Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh met with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and his staff Tuesday to clarify questions about his play and the game.
Lions Defender Calls Tebow A 'Joke'
At one point in the fourth quarter against Detroit, Tim Tebow was just 8-for-26 with 85 passing yards.