Ndamukong Suh's appeal of a $100,000 fine that the NFL slapped on the Detroit Lions defensive tackle for his blindsiding hit to Minnesota Vikings center John Sullivan's knees will be heard on Friday, according to ESPN.
Suh decided to appeal the fine for the low block because he claimed he wasn't trying to blindside Sullivan, but was targeting for his waist and missed.
Suh also questioned if the fine was due to his reputation or because of the severity of the hit.
"You got to ask the league that question, whether they wanted to make a decision off my reputation or off of this year or whatever it may be," Suh told NFL.com earlier this week. "It's the first game of the year, so I don't know."
While Suh may not agree with the fine and will have his argument heard Friday, Sullivan said he respected the decision that the NFL laid down.
"I have no say in the process [despite] being a part of the situation," Sullivan told USA Today Sports. "The league did what they felt was appropriate and the matter is settled."
The hit can be seen here.
Sullivan was chasing Lions linebacker DeAndre Levy on an interception when Suh took his knees out. Levy's touchdown was eventually negated due to a flag stemming from the controversial play. Suh reportedly apologized to his team and to Levy personally for costing them the score. Sullivan had microfracture surgery on the knee in the offseason, according to ESPN.
Sullivan remained in the game and was happy to avoid serious injury.
"I'm just happy I wasn't hurt - seriously injured," said Sullivan, according to USA Today Sports. "There's a reason that play is illegal. It's incredibly dangerous. I just feel fortunate that I'll be playing this week."
Roger Goodell has said that he will come down on players with harsh punishments if they're repeat offenders, and Suh has fit that description both on and off the field.
Suh has previously received a $30,000 fine for kicking Houston Texan's quarterback Matt Schaub in the groin area, and the levy that the NFL has handed down to him this time is almost triple the amount since Suh appeared to be aiming to take out a blindsided Sullivan's knees. Suh has also been under scrutiny for roughing up quarterbacks around the league in past years and was suspended two games in 2011 for stomping on Green Bay's Evan Dietrich-Smith.
Suh has had his fair share of battles off the field as well as he's been in trouble with law enforcement on several occasions throughout his three-year NFL career, but was recently cleared of guilt in a case where a cable repairman accused Suh of threatening him with a pellet gun after surveillance footage taken from Suh's house supported the defensive tackles accounts of what actually happened, according to a police report obtained by USA Today Sports.
It'll be known on Friday whether or not Suh has to pay the fine. Sullivan was asked if he wished he was a part of the discipline process, but balked at wanting to be.
"In this situation, I think it's best not to let emotions come into it," Sullivan told USA Today Sports. "Even though I'm kind of staying even-keeled about it, I think involving players in that would become overly emotional. I think it's best to have a third party make the decision."
That third party will make the decision come Friday.
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