Report: Bengals LB Vontaze Burfict will appeal $25,000 fine

Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict will appeal the $25,000 fine given to him after Cincinnati's game against Carolina Panthers, ESPN.com's Adam Caplan reported on Thursday.

Burfict received two personal foul penalties during his team's 37-37 tie with Carolina last weekend. He was cited by the league for twisting the ankles of Panthers tight end Greg Olsen and quarterback Cam Newton.

Cincinnati coach Marvin Lewis said on Oct. 15 that one of the personal foul calls leveled against Burfict should not have been made, but did not elaborate.

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Last year, Burfict led Cincinnati in penalties, and garnered eight unnecessary roughness penalties throughout the season. He was also given a $21,000 fine after hitting receiver Stephen Hill with the crown of his helmet.

Despite playing just one full game this season, he again leads the team in penalties.

Bengals defensive coordinator Paul Guenther commented on Burfict's play on Oct. 15:

"His greatest asset is his edge," Guenther said. "And it's infectious to the other guys. But he can't cross the line and be overboard where you're not playing within the rules.

"He's got to understand that. There's a certain set of rules. Everyone's looking at him."

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A league source told ESPN's Ed Werder that Burfict is viewed as a repeat offender by the NFL, and that future incidents could result in a meeting with league officials in New York.

Burfict, in his third year in the league, has 200 tackles in 35 career games. He also has four sacks, five fumble recoveries and one interception in that time.

- Christopher Woody