NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict was ejected in the second quarter of Cincinnati's 24-20 loss to the Titans on Sunday because of contact with an official.

Burfict was in on a tackle of Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota, who was diving for the end zone on a run. The officials marked Mariota short of the touchdown, and shortly after, Burfict appeared to make contact with the official.

The down judge, Jeff Bergman, had a hand out to hold Burfict back from more back-and-forth with a Titans offensive lineman, and Burfict knocked his hand away.

"He [Burfict] has to understand, I've pointed it out, in those situations, everybody is over there and you can't push back," coach Marvin Lewis said. "Sometimes what happens, you push back and it's the official, you can't do that. He knows better. We pay a price, we pay a price because he hurts us when it's on the field that way and then he's not on the field, so both ways."

Two plays earlier, Burfict was called for a personal foul after hitting DeMarco Murray late out of bounds. Murray scored a rushing touchdown on the play after Burfict's ejection.

Vontaze Burfict was ejected Sunday for making contact with an official in the first half against the Titans. AP Photo/Mark Zaleski

On his way out of the stadium, Burfict appeared to be jawing and flashing money gestures with his hands to the booing crowd. It was the first time Burfict has been ejected from a game in his career.

Burfict was fined $12,154 for unsportsmanlike conduct earlier this season against the Steelers in Week 7. He has been fined $303,637 for on-field actions (outside of suspension money lost) in his career.

Given Burfict's lengthy history of on-field disciplinary issues, he could face additional punishment from the NFL.

Bengals wide receiver A.J. Green was ejected for the Bengals last week in a loss at Jacksonville after he grabbed Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey around the neck and threw punches. The NFL fined Green $42,541 for that incident, and Green said that was probably one of the worst times of his life.

"It's tough on him (Burfict) being one of our best players and getting thrown out of a game is not a great feeling,'' Green said. "You hurt your team. I did it last week, and I regret it. I'm embarrassed with what I did last week, but you can't lose your cool. ... He's going to be fine and he'll be back next week.''

The Associated Press contributed to this report.