Goodell: Suh trying to stay within rules

NEW YORK, Nov. 1 (UPI) -- Often-fined Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh is trying harder to play by the rules, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said Tuesday.

The second-year player, already one of the NFL's best at his position, has been slapped with sanctions three times during his brief career and was accused of taunting Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan after the signal-caller had hurt his knee two weeks ago.

But after a meeting between the two Tuesday, the commissioner thanked Suh for seeking a dialogue and said he is making efforts to clean up his play.

"Ndamukong plays the game with great skill and passion and is a major reason for the Lions' success this year," Goodell said.

He said a review of videos showed Suh "has clearly made the adjustments to play consistently within the rules so that he can continue to help the team."

Last year's Rookie of the Year was fined for a hit on Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton this pre-season. He was fined in 2010 for illegal hits on quarterbacks Jake Delhomme and Jay Cutler.