Are the Detroit Lions a dirty team? Ndamukong Suh says no
BY SEAN JENSEN sjensen@suntimes.com November 15, 2011 12:31PM
Detroit Lions' Ndamukong Suh said Jay Cutler's helmet "so happened to come off" when the defender tackled the Bears quarterback during Sunday's game. | Joel Lerner/Sun-Times Media
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Updated: November 15, 2011 4:59PM
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh defended charges that he and his team are dirty during an appearance Tuesday morning on ESPN SportsCenter.
During the second quarter, as Jay Cutler scrambled toward his team’s sideline, he was tackled by Suh, who also ripped off the quarterback’s helmet.
“Honestly, my particular play, I’m going in and tackling and it’s within the play,” Suh told ESPN. “His helmet so happened to come off.
“It’s a part of the game. Things happen. It’s not a big deal... You just get up and play the next play. That’s why there was no flags on that particular play.”
Suh also added that he has “never been considered a dirty player” and that he won’t concern himself until family and close friends tell him that “I’m crossing the line.”
As for accusations his entire team is dirty, Suh said, “I don’t necessarily see what they see.
“Maybe because we’re a little too physical, we don’t take anything from anybody. And we’re going to continue to play hard and not be pushed around. Maybe that’s why we’re considered dirty.”
