Ndamukong Suh suspended two games for stomping incident

This article was originally on a blog post platform and may be missing photos, graphics or links. See About archive blog posts.

Ndamukong Suh’s reported phone call to Commissioner Roger Goodell apparently did not work. On Tuesday, the Detroit Lions defensive tackle was suspended by the NFL for two games after an ugly incident on Thanksgiving Day.

During the third quarter of the Lions’ 27-15 loss to Green Bay, Suh shoved the helmet of the Packers’ Evan Dietrich-Smith into the turf and stomped on his arm. Suh was ejected from the game for kicking.

He also drew criticism for not taking responsibility for his actions in statements following the game.

“I am only apologizing to my teammates, coaches and my true fans for allowing the referee to have the opportunity to take me out of the game,” Suh said after the game. “What I did was remove myself from the situation in the best way I felt. I was being held down. My intentions were not to kick anybody, as I did not. As you see, I was walking away from the situation.”

Suh changed his tune in a statement released on his Facebook page the following day, although he still did not seem to apologize to Dietrich-Smith.

‘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,” Suh said in the statement.

“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.’

The suspension was not a surprise. After all, the NFL suspended Titans DT Albert Haynesworth for five games for swiping his cleats across the head of helmetless Dallas center Andre Gurode.

Reports surfaced Monday that Suh called Goodell to apologize for the incident. If it actually happened, it wasn’t Suh’s first interaction with the commissioner this season.

Suh requested and received a meeting with Goodell earlier in the year to get a better understanding of league rules after receiving three fines for his rough play during his two years in the NFL.

Maybe Goodell simply forgot to mention that using your cleats to intentionally harm someone is a no-no.

ALSO:

Matt Leinart’s luck is consistent -- all bad

Jack Del Rio is fired as Jacksonville Jaguars’ coach

NFL assistant coaches wait in wings as some head coaches struggle

-- Chuck Schilken

The Associated Press and Sports Xchange contributed to this report.