Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh has been suspended by the NFL for one game after standing on the leg of Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
The incident occurred in the third quarter of the Lions' defeat to the Packers on Sunday when Suh stepped on Rodgers's leg as he lay on the ground.
Suh will now miss his side's wildcard-round playoff match against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Sunday.
NFL vice-president of football operations Merton Hanks said in a letter to Suh: "You did not respond in the manner of someone who had lost his balance and accidentally contacted another player who was lying on the ground.
"This illegal contact, specifically the second step and push off with your left foot, clearly could have been avoided.
"You unnecessarily stepped on your opponent's unprotected leg as he lay on the ground unable to protect himself."
Lions center Dominic Raiola was suspended by the NFL last week for standing on the leg of Chicago Bears defensive tackle Ego Ferguson.
Simon Sinclair
