Vontaze Burfict is one of the more talented linebackers in the NFL, and his personal story — from undrafted to second team All-Pro in two years — should be enough to make him one of the more beloved and championed players in a league that loves such rags-to-riches tales. Unfortunately, Burfict has trampled all that potential goodwill with his consistent penchant for dirty hits and cheap shots. On Sunday against the Patriots, Burfict was at it again.
He was already under review by the league’s disciplinary arm for trying to cut out Martellus Bennett’s knees, and now video has emerged (courtesy of BroBible) of him stomping on the legs of LeGarrette Blount after the latter dove into the pile on a short run. You can see just how deliberately Burfict tries to grind his cleat into Blount’s calves, and you can see Blount’s immediate, angry reaction. We’d be upset too.
It’s unclear whether the NFL will also take this incident into account when reviewing Burfict’s play from Sunday, but given his history (which we know is taken into account in situations like this), Burfict may be looking at a suspension. Honestly, it’s hard to say he doesn’t deserve it — he’s been pulling this crap for years, frustrating all the fans who know just how good a linebacker he can be when he just plays football.
(Via BroBible)
