The NFL’s announcement that Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict has been suspended for the first three games of the 2016 season carries with it a very strong implication regarding other players and coaches who did things they shouldn’t have done: It’s unlikely that anyone else will be suspended.
That’s particularly true for Steelers players and coaches, who play in Denver on Sunday. If anyone from Pittsburgh is going to be suspended for Sunday, a suspension would have come on Monday.
But the NFL made it clear in the announcement of Burfict’s suspension that further discipline is possible, for players and for coaches. Bengals cornerback Pacman Jones made contact with an official; regardless of the reason, that’s something that could result in a fine. Likewise, Steelers assistant coaches Mike Munchak and Joey Porter could be fined.
Munchak drew a flag for a sideline confrontation with Bengals safety Reggie Nelson. Referee John Parry said Munchak pushed Nelson; the video suggests that Munchak pulled Nelson’s hair. Porter was on the field following linebacker Vontaze Burfict’s illegal hit on receiver Antonio Brown, allegedly chirping at Bengals players -- and loitering to interact with Bengals players after Brown was leaving the field.