It’s only getting harder to like or defend Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict.
Not only did Burfict kick Steelers fullback Roosevelt Nix in the head after a play Sunday, he apparently got things started during the coin toss by “talking nasty stuff” in front of kids who were on the field for the pregame ceremony, Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger told 93.7 FM The Fan .
Vontaze Burfict refused to shake the Steelers’ hands during coin toss and then tried to kick them. pic.twitter.com/a8qoqf4Mzu
— Jordan Heck (@JordanHeckFF) October 22, 2017
Then when it came time for the captains to shake hands, Burfict refused.
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“The pregame thing was a huge shock,” Roethlisberger said. "Even if you absolutely hate your opponent, you’d think there’s a little bit of respect, you’re in the NFL together, you’re one of the elite few and you go out there and you just stand back, your arms crossed, you’re talking nasty stuff at the coin toss with those kids out there and stuff, it’s ehh whatever, we won.”
Reports say Burfict will not be suspended for his actions Sunday, but plenty of Steelers, including Le'Veon Bell, have come out publicly to ridicule Burfict.
man dude gotta go man...that’s not football AT ALL!! https://t.co/IFbNZPZtWR
— Le'Veon Bell (@L_Bell26) October 23, 2017
The Bengals and Steelers play again this season during Week 13 in Cincinnati.