Report: Suh likely to be fined, not suspended, for low block
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh is unlikely to be suspended by the NFL for diving at Minnesota Vikings center John Sullivan's knees during Sunday's game, the NFL Network reported Monday night.
The league is likely to levy a heavy fine against Suh for his play, however, according to the report.
Suh was penalized 15 yards for an illegal block during an interception return by Lions linebacker DeAndre Levy, who scored an apparent touchdown that gave Detroit the lead. But the play was nullified because of Suh illegal low block against Sullivan away from the play.
Suh insisted that he was only trying to make a block.
"I wasn't by any means going for his knees," Suh said after Detroit's 34-24 win. "He knows that. We had a great conversation running out at halftime, and he understood. My aim was his waist to cut him off."
Sullivan said he did not see Suh coming and that he was surprised he did not receive a serious injury on the play.
Vikings coach Leslie Frazier said he did not see the play but his players told him about it.
"Nobody thought that was a good play, and the fact they got a penalty because of it tells you it wasn't a good play," Frazier said. "You hate to see guys go low on players. You've seen the results of it, so it's not a good thing when it happens."
Vikings defensive end Jared Allen also objected to Suh's low block.
"(Suh) is a good dude, but that's uncalled for," Allen said. "This is a fraternity. In the NFL, you try to take care of guys. Things happen, and guys are going to make hits. But you can't take a dude's legs out from behind on an interception return down the field.
"He plays hard. I like his style of play. But if you end a guy's career like that, it's just uncalled for."
Suh was suspended two games in 2011 for stomping on Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Evan Dietrich-Smith's arm during a Thanksgiving Day game.
He also drew a fine when he kicked Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub in the groin during their game last Thanksgiving.
