Vikings' John Sullivan responds to Ndamukong Suh's fine

Tom Pelissero | USA TODAY Sports

Minnesota Vikings center John Sullivan said he respects the NFL's decision to issue Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh a $100,000 fine, rather than suspending him, for an illegal blow block into Sullivan's left knee on Sunday.

"I have no say in the process (despite) being a part of the situation," Sullivan told USA TODAY Sports. "The league did what they felt was appropriate and the matter is settled."

Sullivan, who had microfracture surgery on the knee in the offseason, was chasing Lions linebacker DeAndre Levy after an interception when Suh — a repeat offender who has been fined at least five other times and was suspended two games in 2011 — dived and hit Sullivan low.

The impact sent Sullivan to the ground, grabbing the knee, but he stayed in the game. He said on Tuesday he feels fine and plans to start this week's road game against the Chicago Bears.

"I'm just happy I wasn't hurt — seriously injured," said Sullivan, a first alternate for the Pro Bowl last year. "There's a reason that play is illegal. It's incredibly dangerous. I just feel fortunate that I'll be playing this week."

The illegal block drew a flag that wiped out Levy's touchdown on the play. Suh spoke with Sullivan at halftime, saying he intended to hit Sullivan in the waist but missed, and apologized to teammates in a team meeting Tuesday morning.

The $100,000 fine is the largest ever for an on-field incident, though some will feel it's not enough, considering Suh's history.

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Asked if he wished he had a voice in the discipline process, Sullivan said, "In this situation, I think it's best not to let emotions come into it. Even though I'm kind of staying even-keeled about it, I think involving players in that would become overly emotional. I think it's best to have a third party make the decision."

If Suh appeals, it would go before Matt Birk or Ted Cottrell with the NFL office. There's no need to expedite the appeal because it doesn't involve a suspension.

Suh was not available for comment in the locker room Tuesday.