Ben Roethlisberger on Burfict hit: ‘He was definitely diving low for my legs’
The NFL will not fine Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict for a low hit on quarterback Ben Roethlisberger in the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 33–20 victory on Sunday, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Burfict was not penalized by officials during the game after he appeared to dive for Roethlisberger’s ankles when he released to the ball during the first half.
Roethlisberger said that following the hit, Burfict told the quarterback that he had gotten pushed into him and that the hit was not deliberate. But when Roethlisberger viewed a clip of the play, he was not quick to believe Burfict’s excuse.
“I don't buy that he was pushed,” Roethlisberger said on 93.7 The Fan. “I think he was definitely diving low for my legs.”
This is not the first time Burfict has gotten into hot water for his hits with the Steelers this season. When the Pittsburgh played the Bengals in Week 8, the linebacker was criticized when he appeared to celebrate a tackle that brought an end to running back Le‘Veon Bell’s season.
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Over the course of his career, Burfict has been fined $77,000 for four separate incidents. He was fined $25,000 last season for intentionally twisting the ankles of Carolina Panthers’ quarterback Cam Newton and tight end Greg Olsen.
- Xandria James
