National Football League

Suh not interested in rehashing Rodgers incident

Published Dec. 31, 2014 3:19 p.m. ET

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ALLEN PARK, Mich. -- If you were expecting any explanations from Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh concerning that incident last Sunday in which he stepped on the leg of Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers, well, next question.

Suh wasn't in the mood Wednesday to rehash what led to the NFL initially giving him a one-game suspension nor what took place during his appeal that resulted in the suspension being overturned and downgraded to a $70,000 fine.

All Suh really was willing to talk about was Sunday's playoff game at Dallas.

Time after time, Suh was asked a specific question about the latest controversy, his appeal to the league, a report that he actually defended his action by saying his feet were numb from the brutally cold weather and that he didn't realize he was stepping on Rodgers, and also his reputation for being a dirty player.

During a news conference that lasted about seven minutes, Suh responded "Next question" a total of 10 times, including twice to the same question.

On numerous other occasions, he ignored the question by giving an answer with various versions of how he's focused on the Dallas game.

A few examples:

"I'm here to talk about Dallas and preparations for that."

"I'm looking to focus on Dallas and get ready for Dallas."

"I'm looking forward to playing against Dallas. I think it's as simple as that."

"I'm preparing for Dallas and getting ready for them."

"I'm just pleased with the decision. I'm glad I have an opportunity to go against Dallas and help my teammates win the game. I think that's what's important. Today is going to be a big day at practice, putting everything in and getting ready for the rest of the week."

"The only thing I can do right now is focus on Dallas and understand what I need to do."

"I'm focused on what's here in the present and that's going against Dallas."

"Life is life. You take it as it is. Like I said, I'm getting ready for Dallas."

On and on it went until Suh and the media seemingly wore each other out with similar questions and similar answers.

Suh was considerably more talkative when he was asked about the matchup with the Cowboys.

"Solid, solid offensive line . . . under a great offensive coordinator (former Lions assistant Scott Linehan) that I've obviously been around plenty of times," Suh said. "They've got a great scheme, a great running back (DeMarco Murray), a solid quarterback (Tony Romo) that understands what he needs to do for that team to win. He's playing at a very, very high level, probably a MVP level at this point in time from what I've seen.

"We've got a tough task ahead of us, to say the least."

Suh also said he's "glad to be back" and that he's "absolutely looking forward to this playoff game."

It could be his last chance, in fact, to win a playoff game as a Lion because he can become a free agent after the season.

The Lions lost to New Orleans three years ago in the only playoff appearance of Suh's career.

"I don't like to lose," he said. "I'm a competitor at any level. This is a very important game in my career. I want to win a playoff.

"That's something that you actually know in the back of your head (that he's never won a playoff game here) but not something you're going to focus on.

"I'm focused on the things that are going to help you get to that and win the game. Little things, the details, understanding my matchup, how I can help all the guys around me."

Suh's coach, Jim Caldwell, also got annoyed with the tone of some questions directed at him concerning his star player.

Caldwell called the conversations with the league during the appeal "confidential." When asked about the unusual frozen-feet defense apparently taken by Suh and the Lions to explain what happened, Caldwell said, "It was cold up there. Everybody was cold."

Caldwell clearly believes too much attention is paid to the negative issues involving Suh.

"People are looking more for a train wreck than accomplishment," Caldwell said. "I think oftentimes that probably gets a little bit too much attention, but that's the way it is. That's why reality shows are so popular."

The Lions have had their share of controversies of late, including center Dominic Raiola being suspended for the final regular-season game after stomping on a Chicago player.

It appeared Caldwell had cleaned up much of the discipline problems of the team he inherited from his predecessor, Jim Schwartz, but the Lions have regressed in recent weeks.

Caldwell realizes that has to be cleaned up in the postseason.

"I do think in order for us to win, we have to be able to do things the right way," he said. "I think that's extremely important. I think our guys do understand that and we anticipate that's going to be the way things are played from this point on.

"Anything that goes on on that field, I'm responsible for. Every detail, whether it's good or whether it's bad. Every call that's made, every action that's taken out there on the field, that's my responsibility.

"If there's something that's negative, it's my job to get it changed. If I don't get it changed, I won't be here very long. I do understand that. I've always understood that."

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