New NFL rule has Vontaze Burfict suspended

The hit heard around the world. Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict faces a suspension for an illegal hit on Chiefs fullback Anthony Sherman. Here's how he broke the new NFL rule: A receiver running a pass route when the defender approaches from the side or behind. If the receiver becomes a blocker or assumes a blocking posture, he is no longer a defenseless player. Burfict broke the rule when he hit Sherman from the site, but he's planning to appeal the five-game suspension and clear his name. This isn't the first time Burfict has been in the hot seat, and he's become one of the most penalized defenders in NFL history.