Arizona State Football: Star Linebacker Reportedly Punches Teammate

According to an article on the popular sports website SportsbyBrooks, star ASU linebacker Vontaze Burfict reportedly punched a teammate following a practice last week.

The story claims that following a verbal argument between Burfict and Sun Devils receiver Kevin Ozier, the 250-pound All-American linebacker blindsided Ozier in the face.

While no one at ASU has denied that something along those lines did occur, a school spokesman said many parts of the SportsbyBrooks article are "completely false."

What makes this incident so intriguing is that Burfict is considered by many college football analysts and experts as one of, if not the best defensive player in the country heading into the 2011 season.

The sky is the limit for Burfict's athletic potential but his excessive behavior has sometimes held him back.

For instance, head coach Dennis Erickson benched Burfict in a game against Washington last season after he head-butted Oregon State quarterback Ryan Katz the previous week.

Here a few more examples of times Burfict made unnecessary actions in the same game against Oregon State.

The latest incident was yet another set back in Burfict's attempts to keep his cool, while playing a sport that can very easily let your emotions get the best of you.

Burfict has a very bright future ahead of him and it would be a shame to see it go to waste because he can't control himself.