Vontaze Burfict Asked to Apologize to Cameraman by Bengals
November 6, 2015
Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict isn't just dishing out punishing hits within the 100 yards of a football field.
During Thursday night's win over the Cleveland Browns, Burfict knocked down a video camera in the back of the end zone, injuring the cameraman.
Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis wants him to make amends, according to ESPN's Coley Harvey:
Coley Harvey @ColeyHarveyMarvin Lewis says Vontaze Burfict has been asked to reach out to the injured camera operator once the cameraman gets off clock w/ other job.
11/6/2015, 5:02:30 PM
The incident happened during the first quarter as he and teammate Reggie Nelson ran out of the back of the end zone as the Cincinnati Enquirer's Paul Dehner Jr. showed:
Paul Dehner Jr. @pauldehnerjrVontaze Burfict decides to toss the camera down. Can't say he's avoided controversy in first two games back. https://t.co/AocV8lOkM5
11/6/2015, 2:07:13 AM
It nicked up the camera's operator, Jim Strickler, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer's David Clark.
After taking the hit, Strickler returned to duty after getting bandaged up as the Enquirer's Sam Greene revealed:
Sam Greene @SGdoesitFeeling for this camera operator who got jacked on that Burfict/Nelson crash. #Bengals #TNF #WhoDey @Enquirer https://t.co/f4P41prnG4
11/6/2015, 5:03:13 AM
The Bengals released a statement through a spokesperson after the incident, via Clark.
"He and all other people that work those jobs are fully aware those positions entail some physical risk because close to action and course of the play is unpredictable."
Burfict has had run-ins with cameramen before, including this one in 2014 where he knocked away Jeff Swinger of the Enquirer's camera:
Jeff Swinger @swingmanphoto#Bengals Vontaze Burfict not happy being photographed with medical staff @Ravens @Bengals @ENQSports @Enquirer http://t.co/Rs0bNwfA0r
9/7/2014, 6:51:47 PM