Cincinnati Bengals: Vontaze Burfict suspension effects
By Kenn Korb
Burfict’s Past Fines and Suspensions
The mentioned length for Burfict’s suspension — five games — may seem extraneous, but that number is only so high because of Burfict’s past transgressions.
Look at all these previous instances of note which he’s been involved in before this:
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
- November 2013: Fined $21,000 for spearing the New York Jets’ Stephen Hill
- October 2014: Fined $25,000 for twisting the ankles of the Carolina Panthers’ Cam Newton and Greg Olsen
- December 2015: Fined $69,454 for multiple unsportsmanlike penalties versus the Pittsburgh Steelers
- January 2016: Three-game suspension + $502,941 loss of salary for defenseless receiver helmet-to-helmet hit on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Antonio Brown
- October 2016: Fined $75,000 for stepping on the ankle of the New England Patriots’ LeGarrette Blount
- November 2016: Fined $12,154 for flipping the bird to the Buffalo Bills crowd
For those counting, that’s three games and $705,549 lost directly to fines and suspensions levied on Burfict for his on-field conduct during his career.
Whether he’s meant to or not, he’s built up a clear reputation as a reckless, dirty player. Matching that reputation with his laundry list of transgressions, the NFL has little choice but to levy heavy punishment on him after a questionable play. If they don’t, there’s zero chance anyone takes their words and threats of punishment and enforcement on player safety (in this manner at least) seriously.