Burfict $25,000 fine confirmed by NFL
NEW YORK (AP) The $25,000 fine assessed to Cincinnati linebacker Vontaze Burfict was confirmed Friday by the NFL.
Burfict was fined for twisting an opponent's leg twice after the play was over in the third and fourth quarters of a 37-37 tie with Carolina. Panthers quarterback Cam Newton and tight end Greg Olsen were the victims. The fine was reported by The Associated Press earlier this week.
Chicago safety Ryan Mundy was fined $22,050 for striking a defenseless player in the head and neck area in a 27-13 win at Atlanta. He hit Falcons receiver Roddy White.
Fined $8,268 each were Denver linebacker Lamin Barrow for throwing a punch against the Jets, and Giants center Weston Richburg for striking an opponent late. He hit Philadelphia's Fletcher Cox.
Burfict received two personal foul penalties and also angered the Panthers, who complained about Burfict twisting Newton's surgically repaired left ankle after he scored on a touchdown run. The Pro Bowl linebacker also twisted Olsen's left ankle after he caught a touchdown pass and was tackled.
Olsen had hoped that the league would suspend Burfict, who has a history of personal fouls.
''It's not really my place to comment on the league policy,'' Olsen said on Wednesday. ''They (decided) that was the punishment they thought was right and that's the way it goes.''
Burfict was flagged for hitting Newton after he threw a pass and for unnecessary roughness when he hit receiver Kelvin Benjamin after a reception.
Burfict drew eight personal fouls last season and was fined $21,000 for hitting Jets receiver Stephen Hill with the crown of his helmet, one of his most prominent over-the-top moments.
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