Vontaze Burfict could be out of action for the rest of the 2019-20 NFL season. According to a report from ESPN’s Chris Mortensen, the Oakland Raiders linebacker and team captain is facing a season-long ban after his last on-field misconduct.
Burfict, who has a history of violent hits on the field, has faced plenty of criticism throughout his career for head-hunting and delivering helmet-to-helmet hits.
His latest helmet-to-helmet hit came in Week 4 against the Indianapolis Colts when Burfict locked in on downed Colts tight end Jack Doyle. As Doyle was down in the middle of the field, Burfict charged forward with his helmet down and delivered a direct head-to-head blow.
Luckily, Doyle was not seriously injured.
However, Burfict was ejected from the game and now faces a lengthy ban. To make matters worse, Burfict could be seen smiling and laughing as he jogged off of the field and back to the locker room.
If Burfict is suspended for the entire season, it would be the longest suspension for an on-field act in the history of the National Football League, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
“If Vontaze Burfict is suspended for rest of season, as [Chris Mortensen] reports, it would be the longest suspension for an on-field act in NFL history,” Schefter wrote on Twitter. “Albert Haynesworth was suspended five games for kicking, then stomping on Cowboys’ C Andre Gurode’s face. Gurode needed 30 stitches.”
Losing Burfict would be a devastating blow for the Raiders, who currently sit at 2-2 on the season after scoring a win over the Colts.
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