Vontaze Burfict to Be Reviewed for Allegations Regarding Cam Newton, Greg Olsen

Updates from Wednesday, Oct. 15

Pro Football Talk reports Vontaze Burfict has drawn a fine for his actions against the Carolina Panthers in Week 6:

Original Text:

With complaints mounting regarding the play of Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict in Sunday's 37-37 tie against the Carolina Panthers, the NFL is set to launch an investigation.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the league will take a closer look at whether the Pro Bowl defender attempted to injure Panthers players in Week 6:

Per ESPN.com, Panthers tight end Greg Olsen claims Burfict took cheap shots at him, quarterback Cam Newton and rookie wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin at various points throughout the game:

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Punishment needs to go beyond a fine. Guys like that don't learn from that stuff. He's been fined a hundred times for headhunting, and he did it to Kelvin again. You watch the film; that's just what he is.

At some point, if the NFL wants to really say they care about guys' safety, they've got to start putting guys out for weeks. Me and Cam are lucky we aren't out for weeks, or Kelvin isn't out for weeks. If you're going to start putting guys on other teams out, then the ramifications need to equal that.

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Olsen believes Burfict intentionally targeted the ankles of players who have dealt with ankle injuries recently, according to Joseph Person of The Charlotte Observer.

"In instances like that that are so clearly premeditated, that he had in his mind that if he had those opportunities that he was going to try to attack guys' legs, but guys who are coming off ankle problems specifically, there's no room for it," Olsen said.

As seen in these images courtesy of Panthers photographer Jeremy Igo, Burfict appeared to twist Olsen's ankle after making a tackle:

Olsen isn't the only one who is hopeful that Burfict receives a stiff punishment, as Panthers kicker Graham Gano called for one as well:

Burfict has been among the NFL's top tacklers in each of his two full NFL seasons, but the Panthers obviously feel he isn't going about it the right way.

Intent to cause injury may be somewhat difficult to prove, but the fact that the league is looking into it means there is at least some suspicion that the Cincinnati linebacker was involved in extracurricular activity after the tackles.

Chris Wesseling of NFL.com shared his thoughts on Burfict's playing style and how social media and high-definition television impacts him:

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Burfict has a track record of on-field antics going back to his Arizona State days. He plays like a throwback to the 1950s. The difference is high-definition instant replays and social media weren't around to capture and disseminate dirty tactics when roughnecks like Hardy Brown, Ed Sprinkle and the Black-Hat Brigade were shattering jaws and prematurely ending careers.

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The Bengals defense has allowed an average of 40 points in their past two games, and losing Burfict for any period of time wouldn't help the cause. 

A new precedent could be set depending upon how the NFL handles this case, especially since it likely wants to prevent similar things from happening in the future.

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