Suh’s suspension overturned

NEW YORK (AP) – Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh can play in Detroit’s playoff game after his one-game NFL suspension was reduced to a $70,000 fine.

Hearing officer Ted Cottrell heard Suh’s expedited appeal Tuesday and ruled that Suh can play Sunday at Dallas but must pay the fine.

Suh originally was suspended for stepping on Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ left leg twice last Sunday in a loss to Green Bay for the NFC North title. He stepped on Rodgers once with each foot, which violated unnecessary roughness rules, according to the league.

But Cottrell reduced the punishment.

Cottrell is jointly appointed by the NFL and the players’ union.

Suh has a long list of prior fines from the NFL. Here is a list:

Sept. 3, 2010 – $7,500, for a roughing-the-passer penalty on Cleveland quarterback Jake Delhomme in a preseason game.

Nov. 9, 2010 – $5,000, for attempting to gain leverage on an opponent during a field goal attempt vs. New York Jets.

Dec. 8, 2010 – $15,000, for an unnecessary roughness penalty for a hit on Chicago quarterback Jay Cutler. Referee Ed Hochuli called the play “an unnecessary non-football act.”

Aug. 17, 2011 – $20,000, for slamming Cincinnati quarterback Andy Dalton after Dalton had already released the ball.

Nov. 29, 2011 – Suspended two games without pay for unnecessary roughness and for stepping on the right arm of Packers OL Evan Dietrich-Smith ($164,000 lost pay).

Nov. 28, 2012 – $30,000, for a kick to the groin of Houston quarterback Matt Schaub.

Sept. 10, 2013 – $100,000, for his illegal low block on Minnesota center John Sullivan. Suh hit Sullivan during an interception return by Detroit linebacker DeAndre Levy, and the penalty negated what would have been a touchdown.

Oct. 23, 2013 – $31,500, for a hit on Cleveland QB Brandon Weeden.

Nov. 29, 2013 – $7,875, for motioning a throat slash in a game with Tampa Bay.

Dec. 29, 2014 – Suspended for the wild-card playoff game against Dallas after stepping on Green Bay QB Aaron Rodger’s left leg in violation of safety-related playing rules. The suspension was rescinded on Tuesday and reduced to a $70,000 fine.