Ndamukong Suh: How Long Should Detroit Lions DT Be Suspended?

Ndamukong Suh didn't help his dirty player reputation yesterday and with those actions a suspension is sure to come.

Suh's responses to the media after the game will not help his cause as the incident was in plain sight of an audience of millions.

Given his history in his very short career, there is the distinct possibility that any punishment taken could—and probably should—involve some sort of suspension.

Lets take a look at some of the factors that will come into play when the league decides how long Suh's suspension should last.

Personal History

If you clicked the link in the introduction slide, you will see that Suh was voted as a dirty player by his peers.

Suh has committed nine personal fouls since entering the league with four of them—this most recent incident against the Packers included—occurring this year.

Suh has also been fined a hefty amount—a little more than $42,000—but with this new level of disgrace there may be a new level of punishment.

Albert Haynesworth 2006 Incident

In 2006, Albert Haynesworth was suspended five games—an NFL record for on-field actions—for a similar offense.

The quality of the video above isn't great, but you can see exactly what Haynesworth did. His action was definetly deserving of a five game suspension without pay and it was also a lot more dangerous.

The fact that Suh's victim—Packer offensive lineman Evan Deitrich-Smith—had a helmet on, might just take him out of the five game suspension range.

However, his previous actions might not.

The Play Itself

Three head shoves into the ground and a 'balancing' act on Evan Dietrich-Smith's arm. Unlike Haynesworth, Suh did not make it all the way to the head of his opponent.

It is not usual for players to grapple like that in those situations, and Dietrich-Smith surely had a part to play, but Suh's reaction—starting with the first head bang—is completely uncalled for.

The fact that it stems from a somewhat common lineman versus lineman incident, and that the kick wasn't aimed at the head, might lower the time of the suspension.

There is no doubt that this was a disgraceful act by a very talented player. In the end though, there was no real damage to Dietrich-Smith despite the perceived intent.

His Talk with Goodell

It's funny that this incident happened after a recent meeting between Suh and NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell. Well, not really.

It has been less than a month since Suh has gotten 'clarification' as to why he has been on the receiving end of so many punishments. It is likely that the meeting could have both a positive and negative effect on his new punishment.

On one hand, Commissioner Goodell will think about Suh's initiative in setting up the meeting, and the fact that he was eager to listen and seemed willing to change the little thing he had to. On the other hand, Goodell will believe that Suh hasn't learned his lesson and that a solid punishment is necessary.

It really is dependent on Goodell's conscience.

Prediction

A three-game suspension and a fine is a fair punishment. Suh has only been in the league two years, and if he is not reprimanded harshly enough now, it may only get worse.

While his actions and intentions were evident, there was no real harm done. Unfortunately for him, his history in the league and the fact that he had a meeting with Goodell beforehand work against him.

Commissioner Goodell will hope that this last punishment will hit home for the Lions defensive tackle. James Harrison received a similar amount of attention recently and it seems he has toned his act down a little.

Hopefully it will be the same with Ndamukong Suh.