Coach, teammate defend Ndamukong Suh for his no-shows
By Mike Dyce
Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh has been absent for team activities this offseason. The Lions have a new head coach in Jim Caldwell and Suh skipped the first two phases of the program and also did not show up for the first voluntary minicamp.
He did however show up Tuesday, and his new head coach defended him instead of criticizing him for his absence.
“I don’t understand why that would even come up as an issue,” Caldwell said, via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. “He didn’t do anything wrong, he didn’t break any rules. It’s all voluntary. I don’t think it makes much sense.”
Suh has been negotiating a long-term contract with the Lions. He was also voted a captain last year, and Caldwell also praised his leadership skills.
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“Obviously he’s a great player and he’s also got great leadership ability as well, so to have him back here working amongst the group is going to be a great time for everybody,” Caldwell said before Suh reported to camp, via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press
“I’ve been a few places in my time and I can cite you so many different examples of guys that maybe weren’t here during the time period that did a tremendous job just in terms of their leadership and those kinds of things,” Caldwell added. “And I don’t expect him to be any different. I think he’ll fit into that category as opposed to any other category you’d like to slide him into.”
Caldwell wasn’t the only player defending Suh, defensive tackle C.J. Mosley agreed with his head coach
“We’re talking about Suh here, and in all my years there’s never been a guy who’s been more professional about his job,” Mosley said. “That’s the last person you need to worry about.”