Vontaze Burfict has such a long rap sheet in the NFL that one would assume that when the Cincinnati Bengals player kicked Pittsburgh Steelers fullback Roosevelt Nix, he would be suspended for it under the premise that he is a repeat offender and that kicking is something any player should avoid.

But nope, that is not the case. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Burfict will not be suspended for kicking Nix. He will be subject to the standard discipline process, which means a fine will be possible, but according to Dom Cosentino of Deadspin, that fine would be minimal.

Marvin Lewis, head coach of the Bengals, defended Burfict to Derek Forrest of WLWT, saying "The player pushes Vontaze Burfict after the play. There is no reason for me to waste any more time on it."

Clearly, Lewis is defending Burfict because he is his own player and not because Burfict deserves to be defended. Frankly, he doesn't. He refused to shake the Steelers' captains hands before kickoff. He said before the game that "they ain't gonna like me today," and the kick wasn't even the only dirty play he was involved in. He also shoved Xavier Grimble unnecessarily.

Burfict is a safety hazard to other players. He cannot control his temper, and if the NFL continues to allow him to act this way, he is going to hurt someone very badly and it will be their fault. Shame on the league for refusing to nip this in the bud when they had the chance.

Keep up to date with the 6X Super Bowl champions! Click here to receive your FREE newsletter!