Referee John Parry says Detroit Lions DT Ndamukong Suh is not targeted - NFL News
Lions’ defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh’s style of play comes in for regular criticism whenever he takes to the field.
The 25-year-old is known for his overtly physical style of play as Suh has accumulated nine personal fouls over his two years in the National Football League (NFL) with many analysts calling him a bully and a thug.
Game day referees could be forgiven if they keep a closer watch on the defensive tackle during Lions game as Suh’s reputation precedes him.
However, referee John Parry told the Detroit Free Press that that is not the case.
Parry, officiated two Detroit games during the 2011-12 season and told the newspaper that although they watch film on teams before games they do not mark out individual players to be targeted and that there are no preconceived notions about any player including Suh.
"No, he does not. Our keys in mechanics remain the same from week to week, game to game. I have the same assignments from Week 1 to the Super Bowl as far what my keys are and where I'm focused.”
He went on to add that.
"We do watch film to prepare for formations and tendencies with the teams that we're about to officiate. But we do not watch film to have any preconceived ideas or thoughts regarding any one player."
Even if Parry had said that Suh was especially targeted by the referees, who could blame them?
The defensive tackle can sometimes lose control of his emotions and lash out at the opposition. That scenario played out in full view of a national audience during the traditional Thanksgiving Day game.
Detroit Lions hosted the then unbeaten Green Bay Packers at Ford Field. The Lions though were outplayed in that encounter and as the game wore on Suh became more and more frustrated.
That culminated in his lashing out at Packers guard Evan-Dietrich Smith, with Suh stomping on the hand of Smith.
His actions resulted in an immediate ejection with the NFL banning the defensive tackle for two games plus associated fines.
Suh later apologised for his loss of temper.
"The game is obviously extremely emotional, extremely physical and he certainly fits that definition," Parry said. "He's an incredibly gifted, strong and emotional physical athlete."
Let’s hope that Suh will learn his lessons this season and use his obvious talent to help the Detroit Lions rather than become a liability on the roster.
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