Cincinnati Bengals LB Vontaze Burfict faces five-game suspension for illegal hit

Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict is facing a five-game suspension for an illegal hit on Kansas City Chiefs fullback Anthony Sherman during a preseason game this month, multiple outlets reported on Sunday.

Burfict, who is considered a repeat offender, hit Sherman while the running back was in a defenseless position on a pass play during the first quarter on Aug. 19. Alex Smith's intended pass for tight end Travis Kelce was not close in proximity to the unsuspecting Sherman, who was leveled by Burfict.

The NFL expanded its rules in the offseason to prevent defenseless players from taking shots above their shoulders.

Burfict will appeal the suspension and have a hearing next week, ESPN reported.

The 26-year-old Burfict is no stranger to league discipline during his five-year career, most notably drawing a three-game suspension for violations of player safety rules. The ban included an illegal hit on Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown during the playoffs following the 2015 season.

During that season, Burfict was fined $50,000 for a hit on Baltimore Ravens tight end Maxx Williams and $70,000 for three incidents in a regular-season contest with the Steelers. Those episodes with Pittsburgh set the stage for a contentious playoff contest in which Brown was injured and unable to play in the following week's AFC Championship Game against the Denver Broncos.