Is Ndamukong Suh the NFL’s Dirtiest Player?

Ndamukong Suh’s fine total for the 2013 season is now at $131,500. The season isn’t even at the half-way point. Including this week’s $31,500 fine for a hit on Cleveland Browns quarterback, Brandon Weeden, Suh has been fined a total of seven times in his four-year NFL career. Does Suh officially hold the crown of the NFL’s dirtiest player?

The previous title of “NFL’s Dirtiest Player” had long been held by former Pittsburgh Steeler and now Cincinnati Bengals LB James Harrison. He was the first player ever suspended for an on-field hit and seemed as though he’d be the poster boy for Goodell’s war against violent hits. It’s true that Suh never publically said that he wouldn’t aid Goodell in the event Goodell was on fire but Suh has taken that title over, almost by force, now as he’s more known for his fines and violent act than stellar defensive play.

Suh’s latest fine came from a hit during last Sunday’s game on Browns’ Weeden that wasn’t flagged initially. You can review the hit, and the process the NFL uses to determine fines each week here.

Suh takes the nastiness a defensive end needs to a whole other level. Two years ago he was suspended for two games following the Thanksgiving stomping of Green Bay Packers Even Dietrich-Smith. Last Thanksgiving he appeared to have intentionally lifted his leg while falling towards the direction of Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub’s groin. Earlier this season, Mike Florio from Pro Football Talk detailed how FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer observed Suh in Lions practice going hard after his own teammates.

"“Even in practice, Ndamukong gives guys the business. He’ll slam a guy’s head against the ground. He’ll stomp on a guy. He’ll take little shots at guys. And guys are concerned if he can’t control himself even in practice with us, how can he control himself against someone else’s jersey?” – Jay Glazer"

At this point it’s not a matter of if Ndamukong Suh will commit another violent hit on the field and earn another fine, it’s when. Suh is without a doubt the league’s dirtiest player at the moment, and I don’t think he’s giving up that title anytime soon.