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Even Steelers right guard David DeCastro had to pull away wide receiver Juju Smith-Schuster after he laid an illegal hit on a defenseless Vontaze Burfict and then stood over him taunting the injured Bengals linebacker.
It was a hard-to-watch, disgusting play from the Steelers rookie wide receiver and one that will undoubtedly draw a fine and potentially a suspension, too.
After the Bengals’ 23-20 loss to the Steelers, A.J. Green and William Jackson spoke out on the hit from Smith-Schuster. Jackson and Green both called it dirty.
Will Jackson on JuJu hit: if that was Tez they woulda kicked him out. They should have kicked him out. It was dirty hit. #Bengals
— Jay Morrison (@JayMorrisonCMG) December 5, 2017
A.J. Green called the hit on Burfict dirty. Said players put their lives on the line already and they should protect one another. #Bengals #Steelers
— Jim Owczarski (@JimOwczarski) December 5, 2017
Jackson added that Burfict would have been kicked out for the same thing while Green said that players should be protecting each other. The ESPN broadcasters couldn’t believe their eyes when Smith-Schuster wasn’t ejected.
Based on this Tweet and apparently what Antonio Brown said after the game, you can bet this won’t be the last you hear of this situation.
As JuJu Smith-Schuster talked about his block on Vontaze Burfict, Antonio Brown kept yelling ‘KARMA’ in Smith-Schuster’s direction. Said ‘Touchdown Brown’ will pay his fine.
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) December 5, 2017
At least Smith-Schuster apologized, though, I’m not sure how genuine he could be.
JuJu Smith Schuster on his hit on Vontaze Burfict: “I don’t have any intentions to hurt anyone when I play football. I didn’t mean to hurt Vontez, I just wanted to throw a block for my teammate. I apologize for standing over him and that isn’t me. Praying he gets better.”
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) December 5, 2017