Bengals' Lewis: I don't think Burfict did anything wrong

It may be obvious to everyone else that Vontaze Burfict is trying to injure players on the field, but his team won't give him up.

Following the report of a $75,000 fine being given to Burfict for his stomp on LeGarrette Blount, Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis stated his disagreement for his linebacker's actions Sunday against the New England Patriots. The fine is 26-year-old's eighth of his five-year career.

"I don't think he did anything wrong," Lewis said, according to ESPN's Katherine Terrell. "We were not in the wrong here, in my opinion. And it's unfortunate. That's what I have told and stood on and will continue to."

Lewis said that he watched the video of Burfict's post-whistle stomp. He tried to push the excuse that his linebacker's actions weren't on purpose, but contradicted his justification, saying Burfict was trying to protect a teammate.

"I don't think he meant to do anything. And I've been through it back and forth as big as this board behind me," Lewis said. "Hell if I can see who steps where or whatever. I see him try to step through (the pile) and try to go help (a) teammate. ... Someone from another team has a hand on his teammate's face mask, pushing him in the face, and that's what he's trying to get to."

Burfict, who was suspended three games this year for a head shot on Antonio Brown in last year's playoffs, also hit Patriots tight end Martellus Bennett with a questionably low shot that did not receive a flag in the game.

Pittsburgh Steelers running back DeAngelo Williams, a division rival and known league critic, went the opposite direction of Lewis, ripping Burfict and the league for the decision to only fine the linebacker.