Ndamukong Suh has apologized for his turkey day stupidity. It's a good start. Though he needs to apologize to the man who's body he attacked like it was a wing minus the stuffing.

But there is something bigger than his apology. It is this: if you expect a lengthy, hard punishment for Suh, you might be disappointed. I could be wrong but numerous signs point to Suh getting no more than a fine and one-game suspension.

Here's why. Aside from the notorious Albert Haynesworth head stomp, there hasn't been more than a one-game suspension for on-field violations in the Roger Goodell years, and Suh was tossed for the second half of the game, so that should tell you something.

Again: Goodell has not issued lengthy suspensions for on-field infractions. It just has not been his way. That could change with this but it seems unlikely.

During the Goodell administration, there have been the following suspensions for on-field violations:

2006: Haynesworth – five games.

2007: Roy Williams--one game (after third illegal horse collar tackle of season).

2008: Elbert Mack--one game (launched helmet-to-helmet against Matt Ryan on interception; second flagrant hit in three games). And Eric Smith, one game suspension plus a $50,000 fine (flagrant helmet-to-helmet hit on Anquan Boldin).

2009: Dante Wesley--one game (launch and hit Tampa’s Clifton Smith in head with shoulder and forearm before he had touched ball).

In 2010, there were no suspensions.

So, see the pattern there? Goodell seems to draw a distinction between off-field bad behavior and on it. Again, he could change course, but it seems like Suh will miss a maximum of one game.