ALLEN PARK -- Ndamukong Suh might be misunderstood by many, but Detroit Lions defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham feels like he knows his defensive tackle better than others.

Suh made headlines recently for allegedly hitting an innocent driver, and leaving the scene of an accident, but he actually was the first to call 911. In addition, he is being sued for failure to pay back a $100,000 security deposit to a couple that rented a home he owns in Michigan.

Despite those off-the-field issues, Cunningham's faith in Suh remains unchanged.

"He is what he is, and when you have a name like his, and you play like he does, I'm sure he gets some extra attention," Cunningham said. "His practices have probably been the best I've seen, other than a guy named Leslie O'Neal (former NFL standout). I've never seen anything like this. He's working every day."

Suh's ability to focus on football could be a welcomed distraction.

In addition to the recent headlines, Suh is being sued for more than a million dollars for his role in a one-car auto accident in Portland, Ore. last December. He also served a two-game suspension in for stomping Green Bay Packers offensive lineman Evan Dietrich-Smith in 2011, which cost Suh $165,000 in salary.

"What's amazing with him, some of the negative things said about him, how he handles all that," Cunningham said. "When we asked me what I think he should do, I said play. Play as hard as you can every snap. He hasn't let me down on that. I have a great relationship with him. It's just like the other guy I mentioned, Leslie O'Neal, probably the most hated guy in the NFL of his time. He's one of the best buddies I have in life, and I respected the heck out of him. Ndamukong, I feel the same way about. I respect him."