Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict, who is constantly getting suspended for being a dirty player, has been suspended once again. This time, however, he’s managed to earn a ban without trying to intentionally injure anyone.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Burfict is facing a four-game suspension for taking performance enhancing drugs. He will reportedly appeal the suspension by claiming that he tested positive after taking prescribed medication:
Burfict’s appeal will center around the fact that he was on prescribed medication for the concussion he suffered on a hit from Steelers’ wide receiver Ju-Ju Smith Schuster on Dec. 4 and that he suffered a Grade 3 shoulder AC sprain during the Detroit Lions game on Dec. 24 and was on prescribed medications for this injury as well, per another source.
The disputed test occurred Dec. 27, when Burfict already had been ruled out for the season, and he is expected to argue that he could not be using any drug to gain an advantage when he wasn’t even playing.
If Burfict loses his appeal, the Bengals will have to find someone else to replace his defensive prowess and willingness to kick people.
[ESPN]