National Football League

Falcons accuse Lions of taunting Ryan

Published Oct. 23, 2011 1:00 a.m. ET

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Atlanta players Todd McClure and Roddy White accused Detroit's Ndamukong Suh and Cliff Avril of taunting quarterback Matt Ryan as he lay injured Sunday during the Falcons' 23-16 victory.

Ryan fell awkwardly after he tripped over his teammate, offensive tackle Will Svitek, with 10:13 left in the third quarter. The QB immediately grabbed his left knee as he lay on the ground, apparently in pain.

As he was down, Suh and Avril allegedly trash-talked the quarterback and kicked at his feet, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.

"I had respect for Suh before the game," said McClure, the Falcons' center. "But when Matt was on the ground, the things he was saying and the trash he was talking was definitely uncalled for. There are certain things you don't do. (He said), 'Get the cart,' and several other things that I can't repeat."

White, a wide receiver, said, "I lost a whole lot of respect for 90 (Suh) today and also 92 (Avril)."

Referring to their "unacceptable" actions after Ryan was hurt, White added, "Like 92 was kicking (Ryan's) feet, saying, 'Get him off the field.'

"We don't do stuff like that. We don't rally over guys when they get hurt. It was just inappropriate behavior. I mean, 'Get the cart'? Are you serious? Come on. When you compete, you never want to see a guy get hurt."

Suh and Avril were yet to respond to the accusations.

Ryan missed only two plays because of the injury, prompting Falcons coach Mike Smith to comment, "It just shows you the resolve and resiliency of this guy."