First of all, let me say that I have a lot of respect for Ndamukong Suh. Already one of the best players ever to don a Detroit Lions jersey he is as dominant as they come on the field. Off, he is intelligent, soft spoken and accessible to fans. During training camp I saw him walk in to 24 Grille at the Westin Book Cadillac. He was more than eager to shake my hand as I welcomed him back to town and work after the lockout as he passed by.
As the Lions continue to work on their new image and, more often than not, winning ways, it is disheartening to watch his almost weekly meltdowns, which have fueled his growing reputation (some feel deserved) as a “dirty player.”
Suh tries to explain away his fine-inducing behavior as ‘competitive’, ‘aggressive’ and ‘emotional’ – even traveling to New York to plead his case with Commissioner Goodell. Yet, there can be no convincing explanation for Thanksgiving Day’s meltdown except being irresponsible and classless. He lost his poise. He should admit that and then correct it, moving forward.
The defensive tackle with the limitless abilities cannot continue to shift blame and responsibility for his actions. He’s a bigger man than that – literally and figuratively. He also needs to realize what a role model he is for fans and our city. On national television he embarrassed himself and, in turn, Detroit. None of us needed that.
With another fine and possibly a suspension looming, perhaps this will be a wakeup call for Number 90. If not, the team, his bank account and our city will suffer. If so, those familiar chants of “Suuuh” may well become boos.