Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict will be the 2018 NFL on the suspended list.
The NFL made the announcement that the controversial defensive star is suspended for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances.
As Michael David Smith of NBC Sports wrote, “The suspension was reported last month, but at that point Burfict was still hoping he could win an appeal based on a claim that his failed test took place after he had already been ruled out for the season. But that appeal never stood a chance, and now the suspension is official.”
Burfict is no stranger to being in the spotlight since he entered the NFL. The undrafted free agent out of Arizona State is known for his aggressive play and being an outspoken player.
As Smith added, “When his four-game suspension is over, Burfict will have missed 33 of the Bengals’ last 70 games with suspensions and injuries.”
John Healy of the New York Daily News reported Vontaze Burfict attempted to appeal the suspension in March, arguing that the medication he was prescribed for the concussion he suffered from a hit by Steelers wide receiver Ju Ju Smith-Schuster resulted in the failed test, which also occurred after he was already ruled out for the season.
This is the third consecutive season in which Burfict will not be eligible to play in Week 1 due to a suspension.
The 27-year-old Burfict was considered the most highly ranked football prospect Arizona State ever signed to a letter of intent, but had an up-and-down career for the Sun Devils. An All-American in 2010, Vontaze Burfict was projected an early first round pick for the 2012 NFL Draft on the eve of his junior season. However, a mediocre on-field performance and poor pre-draft workouts deteriorated his draft stock. He went on to have a productive rookie season, starting 14 games and leading the team in tackles.