Ray Anderson, NFL executive vice president of football operations, said Friday that after the weekend’s games that all forms of disciplinary action will be considered against Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh in their ruling next week.
“When you consider the history, everything is on the table,” Anderson said.
In the Lions 34-31 overtime loss to the Houston Texans Thursday, Anderson watched from league offices in New York as Suh kicked Texans quarterback Matt Schaub in the groin. Anderson admitted that after watching the replay from various angles and media outlets, the kick did not look good.
This is not Suh’s first incident where his foot has come into question. Last year, he was ejected from the Lions’ Thanksgiving Day loss to the Green Bay Packers, when he stomped on the arm of offensive lineman Evan Dietrich-Smith.
The NFL handed Suh a two-game suspension even though he said the play was unintentional.
Suh could be facing a more severe punishment from the league, who follows a system of escalating punishment.
“Repeat offenders are going to run out of benefit of the doubt faster than someone who is a first-time offender,” Anderson said. “If I were a judge in the courtroom, and you’re in for a third-time DUI, I’m going to look at that differently than if this is your first DUI — even if you didn’t maim anybody.”
League executives Ronnie Hill, Merton Hanks and Joel Bussert will ultimately take a closer look at the kick and determine whether Suh should be punished. The three executives are generally involved in determining if players should be disciplined.
Suh left the Lions locker room following Thursday’s loss before reporters could ask him about the incident. But Schaub appeared to be in an agitated mood talking with reporters after the game.
“I really don’t have anything to say about that play or that person,” he said.
The NFL’s decision may come as early as Monday, which is when the league usually reviews questionable plays according to CBSSports.com.
