The Cincinnati Bengals have announced that rookie wide receiver Jermaine Burton will not participate in Saturday night’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, due to a “non-injury related – other” reason, which has since been revealed to be a result of a coach’s decision.
Burton, who was drafted in the third round out of Alabama, will not be traveling with the team following news of a pending eviction from his apartment. Records from the Hamilton County Clerk of Courts indicate that an eviction case was filed against him by Radius Acquisition LLC, seeking $2,506.33. There is a court date set for January 24 for Burton to address the eviction issue. Reports suggest that Burton received a three-day notice to vacate his apartment on December 17 but did not comply.
This season, Bengals coach Zac Taylor has made similar decisions regarding Burton’s participation. For instance, with fellow receiver Tee Higgins sidelined in a previous game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Burton was expected to receive more playing time but ended up being inactive. Coach Taylor expressed that the decision was made with careful consideration and emphasized the potential Burton has for a bright future in the NFL.
Throughout the season, Burton has recorded four receptions for 107 yards and has played a role on special teams, averaging 29.1 yards on kickoff returns.
As the Bengals prepare to face the Steelers at 7 p.m. CST at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, the team aims to focus on their performance on the field, while Burton navigates through his current personal challenges.
This situation serves as a reminder of the significant challenges that athletes can face off the field, which can impact their performance and opportunities in the sport. Support from the team and fans can be vital as players deal with both personal and professional hurdles.
The Bengals- Steelers matchup promises to be an exciting game, with both teams looking to secure a vital win in the competitive NFL landscape.