Ndamukong Suh Unapologetic for Dirty Plays: A Fan’s Take

Sunday's game between the Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions was a bruising affair that both teams needed to win. A scary moment occurred in the 3^rd quarter when Will Svitek stepped on Matt Ryan's ankle and the former Boston College quarterback crumpled to the turf and grabbed at his knee. As he lay there, in obvious pain, Detroit players Ndamukong Suh and Cliff Avril apparently taunted Ryan.

Earlier in the game, Suh nearly pulled Matt Ryan's head off when he reached out and grabbed ahold of his facemask and turned it ninety degrees, resulting in a personal foul penalty. Even the commentators on the FOX broadcast noted that Suh is really starting to rack up the fines.

It was interesting how many of the online columnists, such as Jason Whitlock of Fox Sports, commented that the play really was dirty and a player of Suh's caliber really needs to turn this perception around. He also mentioned that once a player goes down with what looks like a serious injury it doesn't matter who you play for, you stop and hope your fellow brethren is not hurt. Suh and Avril apparently were not concerned about such protocol.

The guys on ESPN's lead up to Monday Night Football saw things a bit differently. They blasted the Falcon's players for taking their complaints public, saying that should stay keep that on the gridiron. None of them criticized Suh for his actions. Maybe they shouldn't have taken it public, but they obviously saw something that disturbed them as their franchise quarterback was writhing on the ground.

After making himself unavailable after Sunday's game, Suh finally responded late Monday by making fun of the fact that it was Matt Ryan's own teammate who brought him down. The sympathetic Detroit press could be seen laughing in the background. He was asked directly what was said just so everyone could be clear. Suh didn't answer the question. Instead he rambled on about 'karma' and somehow that had caught up to the Falcons, which made no sense. It is a particularly strange comment give that his own quarterback has yet to play a full season.

The sad thing is that this is exactly the opposite reputation Ndamukong Suh had while playing for Nebraska. He was tough and intimidating, yes, but he was not known as a trash talker and he commanded the respect of those he played against. At the beginning of his NFL career he is quickly eroding that good will. Suh said he will think of himself as a dirty player once his mom tells him he is one. I wonder how the next family dinner will go?