The Detroit Lions have a smoldering reputation of being less than sportsmanlike, and the key figure for that perception provided more fuel to fire on Sunday.
Per Indianapolis Star columnist Bob Kravitz, Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh buried Colts right tackle Winston Justice during Don Carey’s interception return with 6:40 left in the game.
The hit left Justice with a concussion and knocked him out of the game. But Suh and some teammates showed no sympathy, standing over the fallen Colt and laughing and dancing.
Which really got to Colts guard Mike McGlynn, who told Kravitz this:
"Totally ignorant on their part. Just childish stuff. We're all battling out there; I don't know if the hit was legal or not, but clearly he was hurt, and they're out there dancing and pointing at him and laughing. Just blatant disrespect. They're good players but there's no room for that. It's disgusting, really.
"If that had happened to one of their players, we'd never do something like that. But that's what makes this even sweeter. That's why they lose. I hope they never win another game."
At a time when player safety is a predominant theme, it’s especially unbecoming to celebrate an injury rather than sympathize with the guy who suffered it. Yes, you’re going to hurt opponents even on clean plays.
Ideally a player would lend a hand to help him up or applaud when he gets up.
If, instead, a player dances over him, spare us the shock over league discipline or worsening public perception.
