Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, before he has even begun his second regular season in the NFL, has already been fined three times by the league - $7,500, $15,000 and $20,000 - for rough play.
He has also been outspoken in defense of his actions, and in protest of the NFL's actions against him.
It's led to speculation Suh is going to pick up an unnecessary rough penalty - or something similar - at the worst possible time. Or is going to ultimately be suspended by the league.
But Suh's different. This is why:
- Unlike many NFL players who get in trouble with the league, Suh, by all accounts, stands for everything it wants from its players. There is little chance he will get in trouble off the field. He is very bright, goal-driven and likable.
- He is extremely popular with fans, not just here in Detroit, but nationally. ESPN has featured him several times. CBS discussed him continually during its broadcast of the Lions-Patriots preseason game Saturday. The NFL Network made a point of featuring him during the lockout.
- Suh isn't a dirty football player. Sometimes he is overly aggressive. There is a difference. He doesn't take cheapshots with helmet-to-helmet hits, or aim at knees.
- He is a tough player in a rugged game. Everybody is for player safety, but nobody is for the wussification of the NFL. Ndamukong Suh is a lot of things. A wuss isn't one of them.
If anything, he should be the poster child for the NFL.
Not public enemy No.1.

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