What an asshole. He tackled Giovani Bernard in the knee area when he just came back from knee surgery in the offseason. This was during a non tackling practice. I used to think he was just trying to injure opponents, but now I believe he is just really stupid. The Bengals should just cut his sorry ass.
Not a fan of Burfict, but I did hear that after practice the two had a laugh about what happened (for what that's worth).
Again though it comes down to no punishment from his coach. When you let a dog run free and it bites the kid down the street whose fault is it?
Burfict in line for a 5 game suspension for a hit on a KC full back. He just doesn't get it, this dude will eventually be run out of the league.
Not only doesn't the team punish him in any way, they condone it by coming out and stating it's a legal hit and he did nothing wrong. That hit was with the intent to hurt, plain and simple. He wasn't even anywhere NEAR the play, was looking back at the QB and the hit jarred his head violently. Even if the ball had been going to the FB, it would then have been pass interference as the he hit him so early in the route.
Report: Vontaze Burfict facing a five-game suspension Vontaze Burfict was suspended the first three games of last season for violating player safety rules, and he could be facing an even longer ban this year. Per multiple reports, the Bengals linebacker is facing a possible five-game suspension for an illegal hit against Chiefs fullback Anthony Sherman earlier this month. This one is for violating a new rule that protects players players running pass routes, pulling them within the scope of defenseless players. Burfict is appealing and has a hearing next week, and the Bengals are supporting him, issuing a statement saying they are “aware of the NFL’s letter to Vontaze regarding a play in last weekend’s game.” Added the Bengals: “The film shows that the hit was legal, that Vontaze engaged his opponent from the front, and that contact was shoulder-to-chest. The Club will support Vontaze in the appeal process.” The veteran linebacker would lose $882,353 in game checks if the suspension stands.
Unfortunately, escalating suspensions will be the only way to stop this guy from seriously injuring other players. If it was a legit hit, so be it, but this was unnecessary in every way.
And there in lies part of the problem his team always backs him. Even in the playoff game vs the Steelers his team came out in support of him. Dude is a loose cannon and having a coach like smith doesnt help. You think he is pulling the same repeated crap under Belichick or if he had played under Coughlin? I doubt it in addition to suspending Burfict again they need to consider sendign a message to the league by suspending some coaches or even going as drastic as taking a draft pick. You do that and they will start policing themselves.
It was a legal hit. No contact to the head, proper approach, within the rules.... It was a legal hit. The problem is, it looked violent. And that's all the NFL cares about. Gotta keep up that image. The NFL is a joke. I may watch four or five games this year, in total. I watched fewer last year, and the same the year before that. Not buying merchandise, either. Cannot support such a poorly run league. Burfict has had his issues - this isn't one of them.
I finally found an angle that gives a look that might change a few minds. It does appear to me to be a head shot in my opinion and according to the new rule in place Burfict is desearving of the 5 games, although I think his reputation definitely plays an important role in this too.
How was he defenseless? He had his body turned upfield while looking back for the ball, and was within a yard or two of the LOS. I don't understand how he could be considered 'defenseless'. If this isn't an acceptable play, the NFL needs to go to 20 yards per first down, and eliminate any pretense that that they're playing actual football. They're playing pitch and catch. Gosh, what an awful fucking product the NFL produces.
well his head and neck snap back pretty hard. it's a vicious hit. i can see where dlinebass has a point that it's a 5 yr pass and he will turn and go upfield, but man is the impact deadly. i think defenseless as his back is to Burfict, and the moment of reception is crushed. bad all around.
sorry joe - i meant if it was thrown to him as a 5 yr pass. he's defenseless as it wasn't thrown to him and he was still crushed.
