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The Bengals need linebacker Vontaze Burfict to tone it down on the field, and hopefully the NFL fining him will help get the message across.
Tez will be fined $25,000 by the NFL for twisting the ankles of QB Cam Newton and TE Greg Olsen, according to Pro Football Talk.
The good news is it doesn't look like a suspension is coming. However, ESPN's Ed Werder reports that the next infraction will mean Burfict has to meet with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell.
#Bengals LB Vontaze Burfict fined $25K for twisting ankles of Cam Newton, Greg Olson. Will be summoned to league office next infraction
— Ed Werder (@Edwerderespn) October 15, 2014
Some sentiment in #NFL that $25K fine for Vontaze Burfict as first reported by @Profootballtalk was too lenient for offense committed
— Ed Werder (@Edwerderespn) October 15, 2014
That could result in a suspension, which would be the first in Burfict's NFL career.
The fine is a result of his actions during Sunday's 37-37 tie with the Carolina Panthers. Following the game, several Panthers player were angry with Burfict for twisting the ankles of quarterback Cam Newton and tight end Greg Olsen after the whistle had already blown on those two plays. Olsen pushed for Burfict to be suspended, but only a fine will be handed down this time.
This isn't the first time Burfict has been fined by the NFL for illegal actions committed before or after the whistle. According to Spotrac, Burfict has been fined three times in 2013, two of which came in the same game vs. the Packers.
Hopefully, Burfict will begin to understand that this kind of play is hurting himself and his team more than it's helping them.