Every player, not just Ndamukong Suh, should hire a driver according to Detroit Lions' Jim Schwartz

Justin Rogers | By Justin Rogers |
Follow on Twitter
on November 28, 2012 at 9:28 AM, updated November 28, 2012 at 9:40 AM
ndamukong-suh.jpg Coach Jim Schwartz isn't worried about Ndamukong Suh's traffic tickets as long as it isn't impacting his ability on the field.

ALLEN PARK -- Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh hasn't had the best of luck behind the wheel of car. 

In the past five years he's been involved in a handful of accidents, has received several citations, and is being sued for $1 million in Oregon by a passenger from a one-car accident.

Suh's most recent incident occurred in Lathrup Village, where he faces a charge of careless driving for passing cars at a high rate of speed.

On Wednesday, Lions coach Jim Schwartz was asked if he was concerned about Suh's growing traffic record.

"The number one concern is what's here at the facility and on the field on Sundays," Schwartz said. "I mean we have traffic citations on a lot of different players and those generally don't come across my desk and don't really come on our radar when it comes to stuff like that -- as long as people are taking care of what they are supposed to be taking care of and stuff like that.

Schwartz couldn't help but laugh a little when asked if Suh needs to hire a driver, but said it would be a good idea for any NFL player who can afford it.

"Honestly, I think it would be best for every single player in the NFL to have a driver," Schwartz said. "I don't know if that's always feasible, but I think there are a lot of situations that can be avoided if you have a driver and it just takes something else off your radar. He's certainly a guy that is in a very fortunate position that he could afford something like that."

In an upcoming 'ESPN the Magazine' article, the reporter had Suh respond to various criticisms. One of the comments was from an MLive reader that stated, "With all these traffic problems, he seems to be better at NASCARing all around America's streets and highways than he is at playing ball."

Suh seemed to suggest some of his problems could be race-related.

"That's funny, but what am I supposed to say back to this person? I drove across almost the entire continent this summer with no issues. It's always gonna be, I'm an African-American guy who's rich with a nice car and I sideswiped somebody who has a Ford Escort, or whatever it might be, and I'm gonna be the bad guy."