Ndamukong Suh doesn't think he deserves a reputation for being a dirty player, but the actions of the Detroit Lions' defensive tackle continue to speak louder than his words.
Suh was ejected during the third quarter of Thursday's pivotal showdown against the Packers after a scuffle with Green Bay's Evan Dietrich-Smith ended with Suh kicking Dietrich-Smith in the chest while the Packers guard was on the ground.
Suh's actions were seen by an official, who threw a flag immediately. The unsportsmanlike penalty was especially damaging in the context of the game, coming immediately after the Lions managed a third-down stop with the Packers deep in Detroit territory. Green Bay was given a fresh set of downs and scored a touchdown two plays later to give the Packers a 14-0 advantage.
After his ejection, Suh was seen having an animated discussion with Lions coach Jim Schwartz before being led back to the locker room. It was the second ejection of the game -- Packers defensive back Pat Lee was disqualified for fighting late in the first half.
The blatant nature of Suh's behavior combined with his past history could conceivably lead to a suspension. He will be undoubtedly face another hefty fine, the fourth for unsportsmanlike conduct in his brief NFL career.
Earlier this month, Suh requested a meeting with Commissioner Roger Goodell to seek an explanation on fines totaling $42,000.
An explanation for discipline likely wont' be necessary this time around. Suh's behavior on Thanksgiving hurt his team and likely cemented his reputation as the NFL's dirtiest player.
