He graduated from Myers Park in 1974, enrolled in Appalachian State University, then transferred to Belmont Abbey College, where he received a B.A.
[1] On August 11, 1981, he signed a two-year joint contract with the Lightnin' and the Cleveland Force of the Major Indoor Soccer League worth just over $100,000.
[2] Suarez began the 1981-1982 MISL season in good form, scoring four goals in eight games only to injure his left knee in late 1981.
While playing with the Charlotte Gold of the United Soccer League in 1984, Suarez injured his right knee, ending his professional career.
Suarez regained the public spotlight in 1991 when he received a 22-month prison sentence for conspiracy to possess cocaine with intent to distribute.