NFL reportedly to review allegations of Burfict's ankle twisting

In case you missed it, this sounds more like the Vontaze Burfict we've all come to know and dread around these parts.

According to ESPN's Ed Werder, the NFL is reviewing tape of the Cincinnati Bengals-Carolina Panthers' 37-37 tie on Sunday in which the Panthers believe Burfict was intentionally trying to injure quarterback Cam Newton and tight end Greg Olsen by twisting their ankles after each scored a touchdown. Both players had offseason ankle surgery.

Burfict was a frequently uncoachable penalty machine during his three seasons at Arizona State and developed such a poor reputation that he went undrafted upon leaving school after his junior season. But he's been a standout defender for the Bengals and was rewarded prior to this season with a three-year contract extension that could pay him up to $20 million.

The 2014 season isn't off to a great start for Burfict. He suffered concussions in the first two games of the season and missed the next two before returning for Sunday's gave vs. Carolina. He had 10 tackles against the Panthers but was also called for two personal foul penalties -- though not on either of the end-zone tackles against Newton and Olsen -- and one illegal contact penalty.

Olsen told reporters in Carolina that Burfict's actions were pre-meditated and warranted a fine and a suspension -- especially considering his history. His aggressive play resulted in some $59,000 in fines last season for three separate incidents. According to FOXSportsOhio.com, he was called for 14 penalties last season -- including nine personal fouls -- after just three penalties as a rookie in 2012.  

Burfict declined comment Monday, but Cincinnati coach Marvin Lewis dismissed claims that there was any malicious intent.

"I don't have any comment," said Lewis. "Ankle wrenching. Sounds like the WWF."

Carolina's Olsen believes differently.

"Football is a high-speed game and things happen -- helmet-to-helmet collisions, late hits, tackles out of bounds. In the heat of the moment stuff like that happens," said Olsen. "But I think when play's over, two players are laying in the end zone and you happen to have their legs and you start cranking, I think that's a whole different animal."