Report: Vontaze Burfict's three-game suspension upheld

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict's three-game suspension was upheld by the NFL.

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict's three-game suspension has been upheld, according to ESPN's Dan Graziano. 

Burfict met with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to discuss his suspension and hits during the 2015 season, according to ESPN's James Walker and Coley Harvey. Burfict's agent, Bengals coach Mavin Lewis and NFL executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent were also present for the meeting.

Last month, Burfict was suspended for “repeated violations of safety-related playing rules.” The decision stemmed from a big hit on Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown during the Bengals’ wild-card playoff game. Burfict hit Brown in the head with his shoulder, drawing a flag for unnecessary roughness, as Brown was deemed defenseless.

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If the suspension is indeed upheld, Burfict will lose $502,941 of his 2016 base salary. Burfict was fined four times for a total of almost $70,000 for safety-related violations during 2015.

Burfict finished last season with 74 tackles, one sack and two interceptions in 10 games.