Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict is facing a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy. Ian Rapoport shared the news of the suspension on Twitter.
#Bengals LB Vontaze Burfict is facing a 4-game suspension for violating @NFL PED policy, source confirms (as @AdamSchefter said.) This explains why there were since-scuttled trade discussions with the #Raiders.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 16, 2018
Burfict plans to appeal his suspension. His argument centers around the claim that he was prescribed medication from the concussion he suffered during a collision with Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ju-Ju Smith Schuster on Dec. 4.
The drug test occurred Dec. 27, when Burfict was ruled out for the season. The disputed claim also states that Burfict had no reason to take any performance-enhancing drugs because he was not playing in any games.
The controversy surrounding Burfict goes beyond using PEDs. Burfict served a three-game suspension after an illegal hit on Kansas City Chiefs fullback Anthony Sherman. It was originally supposed to be a five-game suspension but later had it reduced down to three.
Burfict had a few run-ins with the Steelers last season. Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell said Burfict had “Gotta go” after Burfict tried to kick a Steelers player on the ground. He also served another three-game suspension for an illegal hit on Steelers receiver Antonio Brown.
Burfict has served a number of suspensions and paid many fines during his time in the NFL. He is regarded as one of the dirtier players in the league. An appeal date for this suspension will be set at a later time.
