AP

NFL Vice President of Operations Merton Hanks, the man who fines players for on-field misconduct, says he wanted to do something this week to make Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh take notice.

Hanks admits that Suh’s hit on Browns quarterback Brandon Weeden on Sunday was “not an egregious play,” but Hanks fined Suh $31,500 because he thinks it’s time that Suh pays attention to the league’s efforts to make the game safer.

“The fine is more than the minimum because he is a repeat offender and I wanted to get Ndamukong Suh’s attention in this regard. I’ve got to help him course correct,” Hanks told Andrea Kremer of NFL Network.

Hanks, who was a Pro Bowl cornerback for the 49ers in the 1990s, believes that Suh should have been flagged for roughing the passer on the play in question. But the referee had a clear view of the play and didn’t throw his flag. Maybe in addition to getting Suh’s attention, the league office needs to get the referees’ attention to clear up what does and does not constitute roughing the passer.