It's reputation. Burfict shouldn't be suspended or fined for that. He is using his feet to shove the Steeler away. That clip of course starts a little late.
I think NIx was pulling Burfict (and Bengals' #43) off Bell. The play was whistled dead and Burfict wouldn't let go. Burfict has a well-documented history of twisting and turning appendages of opposing players when they're down, and I think Nix reacted accordingly to protect Bell. Basically, Nix peeled VB off Bell, then Burfict kicked at Nix. I can see the NFL fining Burfict here on reputation (over $700K in previous fines) and the extra kick. The funny part was Burfict sitting on his ass (post kick) pointing at Roosevelt Nix.
Surprise... Le'Veon Bell says he’s got to go. As it turns out, he’s going nowhere. The NFL has decided not to suspend Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict for kicking the head of Steelers fullback Roosevelt Nix, via Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com. The decision seems a bit unusual, given that the NFL supposedly adheres to a system of progressive discipline in matters of this nature. The idea is that, with each additional violation, the punishment increases until the behavior changes. (PFT)
I don't think idiotically shoving someone away with your legs is the same as a kick. It's in poor taste but it wasn't anything really. Anybody but Burfict (or Suh) and this would be a non-issue.
I have a hard time forming an opinion because of his reputation. If he was a player with no past history, I might just let it go with a warning, but I do think because of who did it, there was and should have been some attention given to it just like what the League did. He's the kind of guy who cant look at someone without getting attention, but he brought all that on himself. Not really flagrant, per say, but really hard to call. The NFL not suspending or fining him for that is ok by me I guess.
As a Steelers fan, I'm disappointed Burfict didn't at least have to put more of his paycheck into the pool. I agree the "kick" was more like a "2-shoed shove", but its still interpreted as "kicking". If I shove an animal/shark/whatever off me with my two feet, I'm basically kicking it. I feel that specific action did not warrant a suspension, but I am glad Nix was there so that VB didn't attempt to hand-deliver Bell's own foot to him or go through his usual progression of moves you'd be more likely to see on WWE.
surprised he walks away from this with no fine or suspension. give a stern lecture - something... his cleat was near the players eye.
Im not sure what world you live in but pushing someone away with your feet would fall under the definition of a kick. to hit someone or something with the foot, or to move the feet and legs suddenly and violently: Sure maybe its nothing if its somebody else cant say for sure or not have not seen a lot of other players using their feet to push someone away. Problem is it was Burfict a known douche and perhapse when everyone knows you are a douche you should not do anything that could be taken the wrong way.
It's because he's a known douche that you need to take a step back and not crucify him for it. It was a dick move though.
The NFL leaves too much up to the Refs discretion in an age where these calls can be reviewed in the war room in New York or something.
hey missed calls happen. people are human, but the war room should never miss anything and should dish out punishments accordingly.
The problem with the league doing nothing is that it will encourage him to continue and take it to the next level. Does anyone doubt he will continue to do these kinds of things?
When you have coaches that will not hold you responsible there is no doubt he will do it again. The fact that the leagues continues to either slap him on the wrist or look away also guarantees he will do it again. Probably the only way it changes is if he takes out someone like Rogers or Brady perhaps Brees. My fear is he ends someones career before they realize hey we should be a little be harder on this guy.
Some asinine Steelers fan on the Depot actually suggested we would cheer him if he were a Steeler. I for one dont care about the talent he has I dont ever want to see him in the black and gold.
