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Controversial Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict was ejected from Sunday’s game for touching an official, which to most fans seemed a little excessive. Many just assumed that it was his reputation as much as what he did that really got him thrown out.
That sort of thing tends to happen when you are well-known for doing things like this during games…
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Now, however, a new angle of the altercation during Sunday’s game shows that just prior to his ejection the whole situation could probably been avoided if Burfict had not repeatedly stepped on Titans offensive lineman Brian Schwenke’s arm with his cleats as Schwenke was flat on his back on the ground.
Here’s what most fans initially saw…
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And here it is from a more revealing angle…
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Burfict, who taunted Titans fans as he was leaving the field, will reportedly not be suspended, but could face yet another fine.
#Bengals LB Vontaze Burfict will not be suspended for making contact with an official yesterday. Play will be reviewed for possible fine under normal process.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 13, 2017
Meanwhile, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that a teammate claims that officials have provoked Burfict at least three times in the past month.
The Bengals player said he has heard officials cursing at Burfict on multiple occasions, and there is video that shows officials coming into contact with the linebacker three times in the past four games.
An NFL spokesman denied the charges, because of course he did.