Suh Avoids Discipline Over Two Dirty Plays In Season Opener
Ndamukong Suh appeared to kick a running back’s helmet off in the season opener between the Miami Dolphins and the Washington Redskins. In another play, he appeared to jab an opponent in the eye. According to preliminary reports, the controversial Suh will avoid discipline in both cases.
The first incident came after Suh tackled Redskins running back Alfred Morris. Both men fell to the turf, with Suh on top. As Suh lifted himself up, he appeared to kick Morris in the head, causing the running back’s helmet to fly off.
Fans immediately took to social media, complaining about the lack of a flag on the play.
Did Suh just kick Alfred’s helmet off…? No flag??
— Brandon Tucci (@btucci2121) September 13, 2015
Video of the controversial play was also posted to social media.
Did #Suh just kick @AlfredMorris46 helmet off? #MIAvsWASpic.twitter.com/1vNH0ktwmZ — Matt Wagner (@mwagner72) September 13, 2015
The camera angle leaves a lot to be desired, but Morris’ helmet definitely does come off at about the same time Suh’s foot comes down. Helmets do seem to come loose at an almost ludicrous rate these days, but Morris is slowly rolling over when his flies off. So if Suh didn’t kick it off, it isn’t exactly clear what else could have caused it to come loose.
There was no flag on the play, and the game continued. If any discipline was forthcoming over the play, it would have to wait.
Later, Suh appeared to jab his thumb in offensive lineman Morgan Moses’ eye.
Moses has what appears to be a thumb in the eye as Suh torques his helmet pic.twitter.com/bgs1Dsy3iD
— Eric Kay (@ekaycbs) September 13, 2015
He and Moses were all over each other at the time, and either Moses or another player had a hand in Suh’s face mask during the play.
This mostly tells the story in progression….Suh is tag-teamed..Scherff right arm slides up..Suh claws at Moses. pic.twitter.com/M9b604PM4A — Chris Russell (@Russellmania621) September 14, 2015
Suh, who has a reputation for dirty play, up to and including stomping and kicking opponents, could be hanging on to his season by a thread. The controversial defensive tackle is famous for his physical play style, and he was suspended last year for stepping on Packers Quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ leg.
The NFL reversed that suspension, but NBC Sports reports that another infraction, such as kicking another player’s helmet off, could result in a suspension that actually sticks.
In this case, Suh will avoid discipline over both incidents from the season opener.
According to @NFLfootballinfo, “Suh’s action was not deemed a kick.” In other words, Suh will not be fined or face punishment
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 14, 2015
In a statement made to a reporter for The Washington Post, Suh played dumb on the subject of the mysteriously dislodged helmet.
Suh on stepping near Alfred Morris: “I tackled him plenty of times during the game. So, no, I’m not really sure what you’re speaking of.”
— MarkMaske (@MarkMaske) September 13, 2015
The funny thing is that, according to CBS Sports, Suh was only credited with two tackles the entire game.
Ndamukong Suh may have avoided discipline this time, but he didn’t leave his bad reputation behind when he ditched the Lions in free agency. Wherever he goes, and whomever he plays for, this type of scrutiny will follow.
[Photograph by Patrick Smith / Getty Images Sport]
