Following the news that Ndamukong will suspended for two games without pay, the NFL and the Detroit Lions oraganization have released statements addressing the issue. Head coach Jim Schwartz also commented on the suspension during an interview on 97.1 “The Ticket” this morning.
The NFL’s full statement highlights Suh’s ban from Lions facilities until Dec. 12:
NFL Vice President of Football Operations Merton Hanks notified Ndamukong Suh today that he has been suspended without pay for the Lions’ next two games for his unsportsmanlike conduct in the Lions-Packers game on Thanksgiving Day. It was Suh’s fifth violation of on-field rules in the past two seasons that has resulted in league discipline. Suh may not practice or be at the team practice facility for any other activities during the two-game suspension. He will be reinstated on December 12. Under the CBA, the suspension may be appealed within three business days. If appealed, an expedited hearing and decision would take place this week in advance of this weekend’s games.
The previous fines were for hits on Jay Cutler, Jake Delhomme and Andy Dalton. The last fine, which was not previously reported was a $5,000 for using an opponent to gain leverage on a field goal last year, according to John Niyo.
The Lions statement via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press:
“We were formally informed this morning of the League’s decision to suspend Ndamukong Suh for 2 games. We respect the process the League undertook in order to arrive at this decision.”
During an interview on 97.1 “The Ticket” this morning, Schwartz said:
“Everybody is responsible for their actions and accountable for it,” Schwartz said. “The league has decided to suspend him two games and that’s something we have to deal with and we have to live with. We have to find a way to get past it.
“It’s there, it’s happened, we need to be accountable for it. We need to move on and we need to get ready for the Saints”
Schwartz said the decision to appeal the suspension is up to Suh and his support staff and has nothing to do with the him or the club.
“That’s not our decision as a club,” Schwartz said. “That’s something within the CBA and the NFLPA and things like that. That’s up (to) Ndamukong and his agent and DeMaurice Smith (NFLPA president) and those people.”
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