The Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Jermaine Burton’s absence from the team’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on December 31, 2023, has been linked to serious allegations of assault and domestic violence. A public records request by the Cincinnati Enquirer revealed a disturbing 911 call and police reports detailing an incident on December 30, 2023, just three days before the game. In the call, a woman claimed that Burton, after a prior argument, followed her to her apartment, physically assaulted her, stole her phone, and threatened suicide with a knife. The woman explicitly stated that Burton had “broken into” her house, hit her, and left. The incident brings Burton’s character and past behavior into sharp focus, raising concerns about the Bengals’ decision to draft him despite previous red flags.
The details revealed in the 911 call and police reports paint a troubling picture of the alleged events. The woman’s distress is palpable in her call, as she tells the operator that Burton has been abusive and that his actions are intolerable. Her statement to police that Burton “broke into my house” suggests unauthorized entry, further escalating the severity of the situation. The accusation of physical assault, coupled with the alleged theft of her phone, points towards a pattern of controlling behavior. Added to this is the reported suicide threat, with Burton allegedly holding a knife to his neck, indicating potential emotional instability and a volatile situation. These details raise serious questions about Burton’s personal conduct and the potential danger he poses.
The Bengals’ response to the situation has been cautious and measured. In a statement, the team acknowledged their awareness of the information related to Burton and stated their intention to continue evaluating the situation as more details emerge. The team’s commitment to gathering additional information before making further comments suggests a measured approach to a delicate and complex situation. The statement also underscores the seriousness with which the organization is treating these allegations, recognizing the gravity of the accusations against their player. This measured response is likely influenced by the sensitivity of the situation, the need for a thorough investigation, and the potential legal ramifications.
This incident is not the first time Burton’s behavior has come under scrutiny. During his time playing for Alabama in 2022, Burton was involved in a separate incident where he allegedly struck a female Tennessee fan who had rushed onto the field following the Volunteers’ victory over the Crimson Tide. This previous incident raises further questions about Burton’s character and decision-making. The fact that this prior incident occurred while he was a student-athlete at a prominent university like Alabama suggests a pattern of concerning behavior that predates his professional career. The Bengals were aware of this incident prior to drafting him, raising questions about the organization’s evaluation process and their willingness to overlook character concerns in favor of talent.
The Bengals drafted Burton in the third round of the NFL Draft, potentially seeing him as a future replacement for wide receiver Tee Higgins. At the time, head coach Zac Taylor expressed confidence in Burton’s character, stating that he felt “really comfortable” with the selection despite the previous concerns. This confidence now appears misplaced in light of the recent allegations. The decision to draft Burton despite his past raises questions about the Bengals’ vetting process and whether they adequately assessed the risks associated with his character. The team’s decision to draft him in the third round, a relatively high pick, also suggests a significant investment in his potential, an investment that now appears to be in jeopardy.
Burton’s on-field performance during the 2023 season was limited. He appeared in 14 games but saw minimal playing time, never exceeding 50% of the offensive snaps in any game. He was targeted only 14 times, resulting in four receptions for a total of 107 yards. These statistics suggest that Burton had not yet established himself as a significant contributor to the Bengals’ offense. His limited impact on the field further complicates the team’s decision-making process regarding his future. The allegations against him, coupled with his relatively minor role on the team, may make it easier for the Bengals to part ways with him if the allegations are substantiated. This situation highlights the potential consequences of overlooking character concerns, even when a player possesses promising athletic abilities.
