When it comes to the NFL, injuries are just a part of the game. Every player gets injured at one time or another and there's really no way to prevent it. Or is there?
According to league sources, the league just fined Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict $25,000 for intentionally trying to injure Panthers players Cam Newton and Greg Olsen on Sunday by twisting their ankles. The source told ESPN that the league studied tape from the game and determined that Burfict tried to injure both players on purpose at different points in the game. So they handed him a fine and reportedly told him that, if it happens again, he will be subjected to stiffer penalties.
"This happens more than you think and more than it should," the source said. "Burfict is one of those guys [who tries to do it]. Always on the edge."
Bengals coach Marvin Lewis refused to comment on the fine or the allegations made against Burfict. But it'll be interesting to see if this becomes more of an issue moving forward. We've always heard about how players often try to injure one another at the bottom of piles. But it seems as though the NFL is going to start policing it more and trying to eliminate it from the game.
[via ESPN]
