The Oakland Raiders pulled off a notable upset Sunday with a 31-24 win over the Indianapolis Colts, but they will be without their defensive captain moving forward.
Linebacker Vontaze Burfict was suspended for the rest of the season for a helmet-to-helmet hit against Colts tight end Jack Doyle, NFL Network reported.
Here is the official announcement on #Raiders LB Vontaze Burfict, who is suspended without pay for the rest of 2019. Jon Runyan wrote: “There were no mitigating circumstances on this play.” pic.twitter.com/DdoXyTb5ax
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 30, 2019
On the play, Burfict, who signed with the Raiders in the offseason, launched into Doyle head-first while the tight end was already down on the ground. He was ejected for the play.
KICK VONTAZE BURFICT OUT FOREVER!!! pic.twitter.com/91IQghasuf
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) September 29, 2019
It marks the 14th fine or suspension of Burfict’s career.
“Your extensive history of rules violations is factored into this decision regarding accountability measures,” NFL vice president of football operations Jon Runyan wrote in a letter to Burfict.
The 29-year-old developed a reputation as one of the league’s dirtiest players and has notable hits that people have said were over the line. In 2016, as a member of the Cincinnati Bengals, Burfict knocked out former Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown on a route over the middle.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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