NFL upholds Raiders LB Vontaze Burfict suspension

It’s now official, Vontaze Burfict will miss the remainder of the 2019 season when on Wednesday the linebacker notorious for dirty play had his appeal of a 12 game suspension denied.

The news came down from NFL appeals officer, Derrick Brooks, after Burfict’s appeal hearing on Tuesday. Jon Gruden said in a press conference on that the team hoped to have Burfict return at some point.

Burfict has a long track record of fines and suspensions, having already served multiple three game suspensions as well as a four game suspension for violating the leagues PED policy. In addition to all the missed games, Burfict has lost millions and millions of dollars.

It seemed like a long shot that the suspension would be reduced when a couple days after the vicious hit on Colts tight end, Jack Doyle, the league reported they had found a second helmet to helmet hit in the same game.

Pending any additions to the linebacker room, the Raiders will be forced to play out the remainder of the season with Tahir Whitehead, Nicholas Morrow, Kyle Wilber, new additions Dakota Allen, and Justin Phillips. Marquel Lee is also on the roster but he is currently on injured reserve.