The Cincinnati Bengals are facing a tough week, particularly for rookie wide receiver Jermaine Burton. Not only has he been left off the travel list for the upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, but he is also grappling with serious eviction issues. This situation puts Burton at the center of both a sports and personal dilemma as he navigates challenges on and off the field.
Burton’s Eviction Notice
On December 24th, just in time for the holidays, Radius Acquisition LLC filed an eviction notice against Burton. The notice claims that he owes over $2,500 in unpaid rent, with daily late fees accruing at a rate of $75.35. Additionally, the landlords are seeking $10,000 for damages to Burton’s apartment that go beyond normal wear and tear.
- The eviction notice was served after Burton received a three-day notice to vacate his apartment on December 17th, which he did not comply with.
- Burton’s court hearing related to the eviction is scheduled for January 24th.
A Coach’s Decision
Coach Zac Taylor made the decision not to include Burton in the roster for the significant game against the Steelers this Saturday. This decision marks Burton’s second time being declared inactive for a game due to the coach’s judgment, the first being during the matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders on November 3rd. Coach Taylor described the earlier benching as a necessary move to ensure the team maintains focus.
- Burton’s performance this season has been limited, with only four receptions for a total of 107 yards across 14 games.
- His last meaningful play came on November 17th against the Los Angeles Chargers.
What This Means for Burton
This recent turn of events puts Burton in a precarious spot. Missing crucial games like this, especially with the Bengals pushing for a playoff run, could impact his future in the league. With his playing time already sparse, it raises questions about what the rest of the season holds for him.
- Burton is a rookie from the University of Alabama, drafted in the third round, and had high expectations for his first NFL season.
- If the Bengals fail to secure a playoff berth, Burton’s chances of getting back into a game this season may dwindle significantly.
Moving Forward
United in their challenges, both coach and player must navigate the complexities of the NFL, not only regarding games but also personal issues off the field. Coach Taylor has not publicly specified the reasons behind Burton’s benching this time, leaving fans and reporters alike speculating the broader implications of these decisions. As the Bengals prepare for the playoffs, the questions surrounding Burton’s future loom large in the team’s strategy and morale.