Everyone knew a suspension was in the works for Vontaze Burfict, but it sounds like the NFL is planning to really bring down the hammer on the league’s poster-child for illegal hits.
According to an ESPN report on Monday, the Raiders may lose Burfict for the remainder of the season after being penalized for a helmet-to-helmet hit on Sunday.
Chris Mortensen on Twitter
Vontaze Burfict is facing a season-long suspension for his late conduct on field, per source.
Burfict was suspended for four games in 2016 and four more games in 2017 – both times for illegal hits similar to Sunday (one of which was on Antonio Brown).
If Burfict is suspended for a year, it would almost certainly end his professional football career. He would be 30 when eligible to return and probably at risk of a lifetime ban for another offense. That would make him almost untouchable for any team wanting to more than a fill-in at linebacker.
Burfict’s presumed absence will put the Raiders in a tight spot going forward as he is essentially the quarterback of Paul Guenther’s defense. But it’s worth noting that Tahir Whitehead seemed to fill in admirably on Sunday and to this point in the season, Whitehead is the Raiders highest-rated linebacker according to Pro Football Focus data.
Ironically, the Raiders top defensive player to this point in the season, according Pro Football Focus, is Benson Mayowa, who wasn’t even activated for Sunday’s game against the Colts.
For those who haven’t seen it, this was the helmet-to-helmet hit by Burfict on Sunday…
CBS Sports HQ on Twitter
Vontaze Burfict was ejected from the game for this late hit. (via @SharpFootball) https://t.co/Lj8kv5hyxx
twitter: @raidersbeat
**** The NFL They’re Just Going After The Raiders As Usual
Again another huge mistake made by Gruden. Time n money wasted on a player n now another hole that will not be filled due to Gruden n his guru decisions. When is everyone going 2 finally call 4 Gruden 2 leave the Raiders so we can finally begin building 4 serious contender. It probably won’t occur until the owner is gone as well as he is the retard that brought this mess 2 us fans. Who believes if Al Davis was still alive n running show that Gruden would b here? Al would have never brought Gruden back n surely not 4 the ridiculous amount of money son did n surely not allowing control of team as son has. Retards