Sometimes, it’s a good thing for NFL players to have surveillance systems in their homes.
Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh has been cleared after an incident in which he allegedly pointed a pellet gun at a repairman, via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press and USA Today.
No charges will be filed against Suh, based in large part on the fact that video from his surveillance system supported his version of the events. (In contrast, video from the home surveillance system of former Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez is being used against him in connection with the murder of Odin Lloyd.)
A Comcast employee (Comcast owns NBC, by the way) named Spencer Ferrell called Birmingham, Michigan police on August 16. Ferrell said that Suh threatened Ferrell with a gun while Ferrell was working on a utility pole in Suh’s backyard.
“At no time in the video did Mr. Suh point the pellet gun at Mr. Ferrell in a threatening manner,” the police report said, via Birkett. “The video shows the pellet gun in Suh’s right hand pointing at the ground. After several minutes, Mr. Suh has it over his right shoulder, pointing away from Mr. Ferrell.”
Suh, who declined to address the incident on Tuesday, told the authorities he was in fear for his safety and trying to protect his family. “If you think I show aggression on the football field, I would show more to protect my family,” Suh said, per the police report.
So, basically, Ferrell is lucky he wasn’t stomped on the arm, kicked in the crotch, and/or taken out at the knees.