Report: Vontaze Burfict fined, not suspended for stomping on LeGarrette Blount's leg

Nov 17, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Bengals outside linebacker Vontaze Burfict (55) reacts during the game against the Cleveland Browns at Paul Brown Stadium. Cincinnati won 41-20. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Vontaze Burfict missed the first three games of the season due to a suspension stemming from 2015, but he won't be forced to sit out any additional games after Sunday's controversial plays.

Burfict was reportedly fined $75,000 for his actions against the Patriots on Sunday, which included a low cheap shot on Martellus Bennett and allegedly stomping on LeGarrette Blount's leg after a touchdown. However, according to ProFootballTalk, the fine is for his stomp, not hitting Bennett in the knees.

This is the ninth time Burfict has been fined for on-field actions -- his previous high was $69,000. For his career, Burfict has lost $279,329 to game fines, not including three lost game checks from his suspension this season.

It's somewhat surprising that Burfict wasn't suspended for what the NFL clearly deemed a dirty play -- and it was exactly that. Given his history and refusal to clean up his game, the NFL could have sent a strong message that his behavior would not be tolerated.

The $75,000 is about the same as two quarters worth of pay, based on his salary this season. Needless to say, it's not exactly a harsh punishment.