By now, most of you are aware of the latest drama involving Vontaze Burfict.

During last Sunday’s game against the Ravens, right guard Marshal Yanda pulled a Keith Hernandez on Cosmo Kramer Burfict, as video evidence shows that Yanda spit on Burfict when the linebacker was on the ground after a play.

Yanda has since predictably denied the damning evidence and the claim against him, and Burfict later brought his own input on the situation via Twitter:

I’m happy y’all starting to see the whole picture — Vontaze Burfict (@King55Tez) November 19, 2018

In subtweet language, this translate to: “He spit at me, thanks for noticing.”

Of course, this is Burfict’s word against Yanda if those at the league office don’t find the video evidence incriminating, and Burfict doesn’t believe that the league office will intervene in the already subdued situation because of one minor detail:

Hell nah the NFL mad I didn’t retaliate https://t.co/KKL3djS7uB — Vontaze Burfict (@King55Tez) November 19, 2018

He’s nothing if not self-aware.

The league office has billed Burfict hundreds of thousands of dollars in just the last two years for personal foul penalties, and most of the general fanbase in the NFL also perceives him as a dirty player after the whistle. Surely when something obscene happens against him, people would treat Yanda the same way?

Wrong. This is Twitter we’re talking about.

Atta boy Marshal — mike_swaggin_u (@YeetinN) November 19, 2018

YANDA A BOSS — christian janik (@____WaffleHouse) November 19, 2018

Get that man a gold jacket! — Casey B. Trohlf (@LoomisOfficial) November 19, 2018

People hate Burfict, that’s fine. He’s earned most of that hatred. He also may have a point.

The NFL has clearly shown that the line for Burfict is very much different than everyone else. If he crosses his clearly defined line, he is the example that is made for everyone else. That’s the price he pays for his past.

So, would it be too surprising if the league decides to ignore this because Burfict was the victim this time? The perpetrator being a leader on one of the more popular and respected teams in the league doesn’t help his case either.

If you want fair and equal justice in the NFL, you’re going to be disappointed. Burfict seems to have adopted this reality as his own, and perhaps that has changed him for both better and for worse.

With a constant fear of getting fined or suspended, Burfict has steered clear of any damning hits and extra-curricular activities. But can an old dog learn new tricks? Can Burfict go on playing at a high level without having that leash attached to him in the back of his mind? It sure seems like he can’t, as he’s been dreadful to watch in the four games he’s played in this season.

Nevertheless, it was good on Burfict to not retaliate against Yanda, as that wouldn’t have helped his case in any way. We’ll see if his passive response does do him any favors.

For what it’s worth, Yanda continues to deny he did anything wrong, saying he was spitting on the ground and not on Burfict.

Yanda not happy his integrity and character is being called in question. “That spit hit the ground100 percent. It didn’t hit anybody.” — Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) November 21, 2018

Yanda: “for the record, I was accused of spitting on a player. I would never, ever spit on another person. That’s not how I was raised.” — Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) November 21, 2018

Yanda: “it’s a terrible deal. I’m not happy I’m involved in it for sure. I just know in my heart, I’d never spit on anybody.” — Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) November 21, 2018

It’s a strong denial. Do you buy it, and will the NFL punish Yanda for it?