Feb. 11--Cincinnati linebacker Vontaze Burfict has lost his appeal of a three-game suspension for being a repeat violator of the NFL's safety rules, according to multiple media reports.
The appeal is said to have been heard sometime before last weekend's Super Bowl by appeals officer Derrick Brooks, appointed and compensated by the league and its players association.
The NFL suspended Burfict last month after he delivered a hard shoulder to the head of Pittsburgh receiver Antonio Brown, who sustained a concussion on the play. Burfict was called for a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on the play.
A week earlier, Burfict drew a $50,000 fine for a hit on Baltimore tight end Maxx Will. In Week 14, he was fined just under $70,000 for three incidents against the Steelers. In 2014, he was fined $25,000 for twisting the ankles of Panthers quarterback Cam Newton and tight end Greg Olsen. The previous season, he was fined three times for almost $60,000.
Burfict's three-game suspension will cost him more than $500,000 in base salary.
