Bengals’ Vontaze Burfict Facing Four-Game Suspension For PED Violation

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict could be banned four games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse rule, unless he chooses to appeal, it was reported on Friday.

Vontaze Burfict PEDs suspension update

Burfict, 27, was reportedly on prescribed medication for the concussion he sustained on a hit from Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Ju-Ju Smith Schuster on Dec. 4. The linebacker also suffered a Grade 3 shoulder AC sprain during the Detroit Lions game on Dec. 24. Burfict is planning to use these two facts to appeal his suspension.

Burfict was also reportedly on prescribed medication for his shoulder injury. The disputed test occurred Dec. 27, after the linebacker was sidelined for the remainder of the 2017 campaign. He could argue that he could not be using any type of drug to gain an unfair advantage when he wasn’t even playing.

No appeal date has yet been set.

The linebacker has previously been suspended for on-field issues. He was banned for the first three contests of 2017 because of an illicit tackle of Kansas City Chiefs star Anthony Sherman during a preseason matchup.

BALTIMORE, MD – NOVEMBER 27: Wide receiver Steve Smith #89 of the Baltimore Ravens and outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict #55 of the Cincinnati Bengals are seperated by referee Clete Blakeman #34 in the first quarter at M&T Bank Stadium on November 27, 2016 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)