Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh's post-game comments Thursday after a 27-15 Thanksgiving loss to the Green Bay Packers were almost as embarrassing as the loss itself.
Now in his second year, and already viewed as the league's dirtiest players, Suh attempted -- and I use that word loosely -- to give Lions fans and reporters reason why he chose to stomp on the arm of Green Bay's Evan Dietrich-Smith.
Suh said his "true fans" knew where he was coming from, and he -- and it was laughable -- all but took blame for his actions, stating that he was being pulled down, pushed, whatever.
No, Ndamukong, not even your "true fans" agree with you on this one. Your lack of sportsmanship was pathetic, uncalled for and made a defense that's already infamous look that much more sinister.
"I have no intention to hurt somebody," Suh told MLive.com Lions writer Anwar Richardson, later adding "With that, a lot of people are going to interpret it as, or create their own storylines for seeing what they want to interpret it, but I know what I did and the man upstairs knows what I did."
The play certainly didn't help Suh's image of being a "high-motor guy," a term I've used to describe his ferocious demeanor. I love a hard-hitting football player as much as the next guy, but after that Thanksgiving display, my opinion of Suh took a nose dive.
And his blatant "it wasn't me" comments left something to be desired. So did his Facebook apology.
And referring to the "man upstairs?!" Who? The replay official above Ford Field? Yes, it was clear that he saw Suh's stomp. So did everyone else. And no, we're not "interpreting" it at our own discretion -- no gray area here, plainly cut-and-dried.
Dirty, immature -- due to his comments -- and anything but a consummate professional. I know that sentiment may rub Lions fans the wrong way, but take a good, hard look at the video, and you'll almost be forced to change your tune... that is, if you didn't already view Suh as a villain.
As we hold our collective breaths, waiting for NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to drop the hammer on Suh, I can't help but think Suh has what he deserves coming to him.
Reports have suggested he'll get a two-game suspension. A two-game break would be sufficient, but why not send a message to Suh, who met earlier this season with Goodell to discuss football field etiquette.
Three games? Four games? Sure, it sounds harsh, but maybe that will teach Suh a lesson. His innocent act is for the naive, which, to my knowledge, most Lions fans are not.
One of Suh's college teammates said the intense DT had anger issues in college at Nebraska. It's behavior that needs to cease if Suh is to be the face of the Lions defense, continue his partnership with Chrysler, and be a player that inspires younger generations.
"I don't know if he's got a screw loose or if he's trying to make himself the villain, but whatever he's doing is wrong and it's got to be fixed," said Suh's former teammate Matt Slauson, who plays for the New York Jets.
I realize that Lions fans are loyal. Years of losing, mediocrity, front-office foul-ups and all haven't kept the diehards from supporting this team. However, the fans -- maybe not even as much as the NFL -- should voice their disapproval to Suh, who claims he plays for the hard-working Lions followers who spend their spare dollars buying his jerseys, tickets to see him play and maybe even Chrysler automobiles because of him.
Put your foot down, Lions fans. But not on the arm of another. While Detroit fans love gritty players, Suh has crossed the line.
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