The Detroit Lions will have to take on the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday without their best defensive player, as Ndamukong Suh has been hit with a one-game suspension for stepping on Aaron Rodgers. Seriously.
Ndamukong Suh is being suspended for Sunday's game against Dallas, per @mortreport. When he appeals, hearing officer will be Ted Cottrell.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 29, 2014
Much like Dominic Raiola's suspension last week, Suh's suspension likely has more to do with his past actions than anything. Even so, it seems pretty ridiculous to suspend a player for stepping on someone. He didn't stomp on Rodgers, yet he got the exact same punishment as Raiola, who blatantly stomped on a Chicago Bears player. That's beyond moronic.
To make matters worse, there's a very good chance that Suh's Lions career is now over. He's set to become a free agent this coming offseason, and it's possible that he will sign with another team. If that happens, he won't play another snap for the Lions unless they win on Sunday, and that now seems like an impossible task with their top player on defense suspended.
I guess I shouldn't be surprised by anything the NFL does at this point, as this is just the latest example of inconsistent discipline from them. Even so, it's beyond frustrating to see certain players and teams given preferential treatment in situations like this. Get into a brawl with another team? No big deal, here's a simple fine. Kick a punter in the face? No suspension, just a fine. But step on a player, perhaps inadvertently? You're suspended for a playoff game because you have a "history." Give me a break.
UPDATE:
Full release on #Lions Ndamukong Suh pic.twitter.com/VxySsFRWUZ
— Tom Leyden (@TomLeyden) December 29, 2014