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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Lions coach Schwartz downplays Suh’s ‘fender bender’

Dave Birkett Detroit Free Press

DETROIT – Detroit Lions coach Jim Schwartz hasn’t talked to defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh since his weekend traffic accident because NFL rules prohibit contact with suspended players.

But Schwartz downplayed any concern over Suh’s off-field behavior during his weekly Detroit radio appearance on Tuesday.

“I really don’t understand what you mean, just the fact that he was in a fender bender?” Schwartz said.

Suh lost control of his 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle SS at 1:14 a.m. Saturday in downtown Portland, hitting a tree, a light pole and a drinking fountain, according to police.

He called 911 after the accident, declined medical attention and said everyone in the crash was fine. Two female passengers, both of whom asked police not to be identified because they fear for their safety, came forward after the incident with conflicting stories.

According to a supplemental police report, both passengers were treated at a local hospital.

Suh will miss Sunday’s game against the Minnesota Vikings as part of his two-game suspension for stomping an offensive lineman.