NEW YORK (AP) — Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh can play in Detroit’s wild-card game after his one-game NFL suspension was reduced to a $70,000 fine.
Hearing officer Ted Cottrell heard Suh’s expedited appeal Tuesday and ruled that Suh can play Sunday at Dallas but must pay the fine.
Suh originally was suspended for stepping on Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ left leg twice last Sunday in a loss to Green Bay for the NFC North title. He stepped on Rodgers once with each foot, which violated unnecessary roughness rules, according to the league.
But Cottrell, jointly appointed by the NFL and the players’ union, rescinded the suspension.
The Lions said they would not comment until Wednesday, when Suh will be available at their training complex.
One Cowboys defensive player, end Jeremy Mincey, seemed surprised by Cottrell’s decision.
“I didn’t understand that,” Mincey said. “You’ve got to play the game the right way. I’m not knocking him. I like his intensity. I love how hard he plays. But there comes a point where you’ve got to think before you react.
“Sometimes it happens. I’ve done plays like what Suh did, so I’m not mad at him. It happens like that sometimes. You’re frustrated, you’re down and you’re losing and things like that.”