In the NFL, much more so than in other sports, if you misbehave on or off the field there will be consequences.
They understand that their athletes are role models and their reach extends far beyond the field of play.
To suit-up in the NFL is a privilege and to enjoy that privilege you have to be an upstanding member of society and a fair player.
The NFL isn’t perfect, but it sets an example that other sports could learn from.
I was therefore surprised to hear that Vontaze Burfict’s season-long ban was met with such condemnation by his head coach, Jon Gruden, and quarterback, Derek Carr, ahead of Sunday’s NFL London game between their Oakland Raiders team and the Chicago Bears.
(Image: SIPA USA/PA Images)
Burfict’s suspension came after he inflicted a vicious late blow to the head of Indianapolis Colts tight end, Jack Doyle, during a game last week.
Gruden and Carr took issue with the unusual length of the ban, suggesting that although it was a bad play, the punishment was excessive compared to others.
What they failed to acknowledge, but both know full well, is that Burfict has a long history of making violent and illegal plays and is widely regarded as the league’s dirtiest player.
Amongst his rap sheet are charges for striking players in the groin, deliberately twisting opponents ankles, targeting an opponent’s knee unnecessarily, plus stamping on and kicking opposition players.
Remarkably, all these fouls could be considered minor in comparison to what is now quickly becoming known as Burfict’s signature move.
That involves charging at opponents with his helmet lowered, often when they have already been tackled and are completely unaware, and ramming them in their head at speed.
(Image: Youtube)
(Image: Youtube)
Following his latest offence against Doyle, Burfict didn’t leave the field a broken man given that he had once again incapacitated an opponent.
Instead, he removed his helmet, trotted towards the tunnel and blew kisses at the oppositions fans who were jeering him.
Burfict has already been suspended for almost a fifth of his career and through fines and loss of earnings has cost himself over £4million. The league warned him that they would throw the book at him for another offence, and have done.
For Gruden and Carr to criticise the length of his ban, and furthermore claim Burfict’s behaviour is out of character, is frankly ridiculous.
Burfict thinks he can hurt people without repercussion just because he does so wearing his Raiders uniform.
I fully endorse the NFL’s extended ban and hope they also told Burfict that if there are any further similar incidents he will be out of the league for good!
