The NFL is putting its foot down when it comes to Raiders linebacker Vontaze Burfict’s continuous on-field antics.
The former Bengal, who was released after seven seasons before signing a one-year, $2 million contract with the Raiders in March, was suspended without pay for the rest of the season after he initiated a helmet-to-helmet hit on Colts tight end Jack Doyle, the league announced Monday.
The hefty punishment — which multiple reports say he plans to appeal — was prompted by the one-time Pro Bowler’s lengthy history of on-field offenses. Monday’s ban marked his 17th run-in with the league’s disciplinary office. He’s now been suspended four times, three times for on-field behavior. His minimum 12-game suspension latest would be the longest in NFL history for on-the-field transgressions.
It could be even longer if the 2-2 Raiders find their way into the playoffs.
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