By Sunday 
The NFL’s spin cycle is officially in motion — and the Washington Commanders are coming out sparkling clean. Linebacker Frankie Luvu, who was suspended earlier this week for yet another hip-drop tackle, has successfully appealed his punishment and is now cleared to face the Detroit Lions in Week 10.
That’s right — one moment he’s out for a dangerous play, and the next, he’s rinsed off, fined a hefty $100,000, and thrown right back into the mix.
The Clean Cycle: From Suspension to Fine
Luvu was hit with a one-game suspension after his third illegal hip-drop tackle of the season. But after a quick spin through the NFL’s appeal process, his penalty got reduced faster than a laundry setting on “Quick Wash.”
For Detroit fans, this feels like déjà vu and detergent burns combined. Earlier this year, Lions safety Brian Branch appealed his own suspension — and got stonewalled. Different situation, sure, but the same sour taste of inconsistency remains.
Stains That Won’t Wash Away
Luvu’s name still leaves a mark in Detroit. The last time these two teams met — in the NFC Divisional Round — he pulled off another textbook hip-drop on Jahmyr Gibbs and followed it up with a helmet-to-helmet shot on Jared Goff after an interception.
Both plays drew fines, and Goff was checked for a concussion. So when Lions fans heard the league gave Luvu another “rinse and repeat” pass, it was hard not to roll their eyes.
The Clean Slate Comes with Consequences
Washington, however, couldn’t be happier. Luvu is one of their most impactful defenders, ranking third in total tackles (50) and tied for fourth in both tackles for loss (4) and sacks (2.0).
Meanwhile, the Lions’ offensive line is still bruised and battered. With Luvu fresh off his soap-and-spin appeal, Jared Goff might be under even more pressure come Sunday.
NFL Consistency: Some Spots Just Don’t Come Out
This is where fans start asking questions: How does a repeat offender of a dangerous tackle get his suspension wiped away — while others serve time for less?
The NFL’s disciplinary system continues to feel like laundry day roulette. Sometimes you get a fresh start; other times, your whites come out stained and wrinkled.
Final Rinse
Like it or not, the Commanders just scored a big break before facing Detroit. Luvu’s appeal didn’t just save him from the bench — it might tilt Sunday’s matchup in Washington’s favor.
And if the Lions feel like they’ve been here before, well… that’s because they have. The NFL’s spin cycle just hit “repeat.”