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Suh cited for negligent driving

By Max Olson

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Published: Sunday, November 1, 2009

Updated: Monday, November 2, 2009

suh

File Photo

Ndamukong Suh

Police cited Nebraska senior defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh for negligent driving after a crash Sunday morning.

According to the police report, Suh, 22, had been drinking but tested below the legal limit at .035. The legal limit for drivers in Nebraska in .08.

NU media relations director Keith Mann said the citation will not affect Suh's playing status. Nebraska coach Bo Pelini is "very aware" of the accident and has spoken with Suh about it, Mann said.

Suh told police he swerved his 2003 Land Rover SUV to avoid hitting a small animal and hit three vehicles on U Street between 30th and 31st Street at about 2:20 a.m. Police reports stated Suh was driving between 25 and 30 mph.

He first hit a red 2005 Chevy Cavalier, owned by Jessica Elwell, a senior fine and performing arts major at UNL. The damage to Elwell’s car was estimated at $8,000 by police.

Suh’s SUV then glanced off the Cavalier and hit a white 1992 Chrysler LeBaron. The car, owned by Alfred and Phyllis Arth of 5919 Deerwood Dr., was totaled.

Suh then struck a blue 2002 Honda Accord owned by Dennis and Debra Mostek of 3603 Armbrust Dr., Omaha, causing an estimated $8,000 in damage.

Police estimated that Suh’s SUV, which is owned by his mother, suffered about $10,000 in damage.

Nebraska played Baylor Saturday afternoon in Waco, Texas, and returned to Lincoln Saturday night. Suh collected five tackles and a sack during NU's 20-10 win.

At Tuesday’s press conference, a reporter asked Suh if he’d be attending any Halloween parties following Saturday’s game.

“No, I’m not too much into that,” Suh said.

Comments

30 comments
Unimpressed Iowan
Thu Nov 5 2009 14:56
The real problem is that this story gets so much talk and coverage, if it was me, a random guy from Iowa that is just another face on campus, I wouldn't make the paper. Colleges and fans make their athletes into stars, some like the University of Nebraska, more than others. Stories about Mr. Suh should focus on his leadership and athletic qualities and not on his mess up. He's a guy like the rest of us, he's just good at football. Husker fans will forget about it when he graduates, if it takes that long, and get on with life.
Bobdanburg
Tue Nov 3 2009 13:50
I can't believe everyone is making such a big deal about this. The alcohol was obviously not a major factor at .035. It's not like no one has ever been in an accident before. People make mistakes and thats just the way it is. The cars aren't that big of a deal either. Damage reports are always over estimated, this being no exception. The only reason why the '92 LeBaron was totalled is because it has no value.
Your name
Tue Nov 3 2009 08:49
Driving a Range Rover? Really!
Rockin Eric
Mon Nov 2 2009 19:39
I had a rookie cop test me, he allowed me to read the meter and I simply stopped breathing before .1, ( that is when the limit was .1). Did the Lincoln police allow suh to read the meter?
Haythrower
Mon Nov 2 2009 15:28
You guys really printed pictures of the damaged cars? Is this what they refer to as "a slow news day?"
Your name
Mon Nov 2 2009 13:30
I would like to add, people react on their first instinct. I would have done the same thing, if I didn'gt have time to hit the break, period! I'm no angel, but I have a deep love for animals.

Last, but not least, one never knows what one is going to do, until the moment comes to pass. Think about it!

CrnhskrBob
Mon Nov 2 2009 13:28
Well, all I can say is, "Those who live in glass houses, cast the first stone". "Judge not, lest you be judged".

Until he is proven guilty, he is innocent. This is America, not Iran.

Heck, a man that big, with a .035, must have had a single, light beer.

Unless you witnessed the accident, and could see Suh's actions, back off!

In case you're wondering, I have never had a DUI, or been stopped for
being suspect. .

Wow
Mon Nov 2 2009 13:24
As an animal lover I think I would far rather risk hitting an animal rather than shelling out $500.00 for my deductible and paying for other people's cars and medical bills and risk hurting humans. The City of Lincoln does have leash law ordinances. And I'm not saying we are all perfect, the only accident I have been in is hitting a dog on a highway at 10:30 pm in the middle of nowhere. I did not roll my car because I swerved to miss the animal and injure my self and my passnger and I did not hit the oncoming car because I swerved to avoid the animal. If the team has a zero tolerance for alcohol policy than he is still in the wrong because he did have alcohol (maybe cough syrup) on his breath otherwise it wouldn't have shown up on the breathalizer.

I think Suh is an amazing player, I just think that the rules should be the same for everyone!

Lawrence Phillips
Mon Nov 2 2009 09:34
If you drink...don't get in a car!!...especially if you are a nationally recognized defensive lineman who will be drafted in the first round. Sorry, but have you SEEN the cars that were damaged??...this is far from any swerve to avoid an animal...how can football players be so dumb sometimes
Monkey's Uncle
Mon Nov 2 2009 08:43
nice tabloid journalism here. and now you've set a precedent to write an above the fold "breaking" news story about every UNL student cited for negligent driving. Can't wait to see your "reporters" busting their chops on such groundbreaking news. And an actual photo for a story?? why didn't you have an artist just draw up the damage....ever think you are making a mountain out of a mole hill?? keep chasing those windmills!
Jenny
Mon Nov 2 2009 08:19
Ugh! Some of you people are acting like he was on a drunken rampage or something! This has nothing to do with ethics. He was *well* under the legal limit, so there isn't a lot of ethics involved here. I don't think the story is implausible. I grew up in the country, and know not to swerve for animals (I've hit many a bunny :(...) but if I saw someone's pet run out in front of me, I don't know that I could do the same thing. And it's not like you have a lot of time to weigh the options. If it was for some other reason, so what? Maybe everyone here should take a look at their own driving. Are you always, totally, 100% perfect? I highly doubt it. I know I've made mistakes driving that could've resulted in an accident. And I've definitely seen plenty of drivers make idiotic mistakes here in Lincoln. He wasn't driving drunk or speeding excessively, so get over yourselves and stop acting like this was some heinous act. People get in accidents, and OMG! :o -- Huskers football players are people, too. Who knew?
char
Mon Nov 2 2009 07:53
wow Dave,
Do you have a problem
How can you come up with so many reasons if not for real life experience.
jan
Mon Nov 2 2009 07:50
Sounds to me like some of you are jealous of Suh's status and want to use this to vent your frustrations that he is talented and you are not.
Grow up and get a life.
He wasn't legally drunk nor was he speeding.
Find another way to feel superior for your low self esteem.
Tom
Mon Nov 2 2009 02:19
I've seen too many drivers swerve or stop to avoid hitting a squirrel to agree that people in Lincoln just run over animals. I myself have stopped for a cat or dog who has wandered from its yard. I will not criticize Mr Suh or anyone else for doing this because it requires instintive thinking. Also, I have no idea how many traffic accidents occur in Lincoln each week, month or year, but unless there is a fatality, or the driver was drunk, they don't merit much attention. I'm just glad I never played football so I can have some privacy in my life (what little the Govt hasn't already taken from me!!!).
outta nebraska and corn born
Sun Nov 1 2009 23:54
Hey things happen, don't hate. If you haven't messed up in life, then get out and live! .035 is legal, but he does need to realize that you don't swerve for animals in Nebraska, you hit them so you don't cause extra damage! It just shows he has a soft heart, let it ride!
Chad
Sun Nov 1 2009 22:31
husker great or not, everyone makes mistakes. he was under the legal limit and was cited for negligent driving which seems fine. he did not deserve a dui because he was half of the limit of .08. all you negative people need to realize you've probably done stupid things too and get over it. its not that bad and he'll pay for the cars he hit. can't blame the guy for being human and going out to a party now and then.
Understanding
Sun Nov 1 2009 21:14
It was an accident, this is the first time he has made a mistake. Give him a break, Im sure he regrets it. Hasnt everyone slip up at least once? How would you like it if the one time you really made a mistake everyone jumped on you? Suh you are great, I hope you dont read any of this nonsense. Husker football is awesome and would never cover up anything.
DBOHusker
Sun Nov 1 2009 19:55
I love the way you all scream cover up and hang the kid becuse you are all so perfect. LPD does not care if you are a jock, they would love to throw the book at him but alas, he was well under the limit and life goes on...
Hunter
Sun Nov 1 2009 19:24
This accident happened less than a block from my house. I could see the accident from my porch.
The drivers of all three cars were at my house that night for a Halloween party that night.
And I just want to go on record as saying that I was very surprised to hear that Suh blew under the legal limit that night.
Dave
Sun Nov 1 2009 19:22
Possible culprit:
- out of control speeding
- cellphone/text message distraction (likely)
- fallen asleep
- joint
- nyquil cold syrup
- on purpose
or ......
- truly avoid hitting animals