Marvin Lewis to Vontaze Burfict: Continue to play, don’t get involved in anything else

Vontaze Burfict might not be appreciated outside of Cincinnati, but his head coach will continue to stand by him.

Ask Marvin Lewis, and he’ll tell you it’s wrong that Burfict is even in the news following the Bengals vs Patriots Week 6 game. Seemingly everyone is weighing in on what Burfict did, from broadcasters, former players (who also have shady backgrounds), and even the Steelers have voiced their complaints.

With everyone piling on Burfict, fairly or unfairly, Lewis is came to his defense with the Cincinnati media and now, Lewis is talking to Sirius XM to tell them that he was “surprised” Burfict even got fined for what took place in Week 6, and was not surprised Burfict avoided a suspension.

“He didn’t do anything,” Lewis said. “And you can see on the video, back and forth, nine times out of it, he’s trying to step through the pile anyway. It’s over, Ross. Let’s move on, baby.”

Lewis has admitted he thought Burfict was baited into some of his ‘questionable’ plays on Sunday, and that’s something the Pro Bowl backer has to be aware of and not react to going forward.

“I agree 100%,” Lewis said at his Wednesday press conference. “That’s a thing he knows. He has to know that all the time. Just play football. Our guys are not going to talk about it. As I’ve instructed, if there have any questions about it, they can talk to me. That’s the way it has to be.”

But whatever Burfict did or did not do, Lewis has been adamant that nothing wrong was done.

“I don’t think he did anything wrong (in the New England game). We were not in the wrong here, in my opinion. It’s unfortunate. That’s what I’ve told people, stood on, and will continue to stand on.”

When asked about the video that seemed to show Burfict stomping on Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount, Lewis again stuck to his guns about Burfict doing nothing wrong.

“I think either thing (was wrong). I don’t think he meant to do anything,” Lewis said. “I’ve been through it back and forth. I see him trying to step through and going to help the teammate who has a hand of another player on his facemask, pushing him in the face. That’s what he’s trying to get to. We’ll move on, and get ready to play the Cleveland Browns. That’s my distraction.”

If nothing else, it’s good to see Lewis defend his player.

“I told him just to continue to play and don’t get involved in anything else,” Lewis told Sirius XM NFL co-hosts Ross Tucker and Takeo Spikes. “Just play and do things the right way. Know you’re under the microscope.”