Cincinnati Bengals rookie wide receiver Jermaine Burton had the police called on him, as his girlfriend accused him of choking her, damaging her phone, and then threatening suicide after an argument.
Videos by FanBuzz
In view of the details surrounding the incident, after the assault was first reported, cops were called to the woman's residence at around 8:45 AM on December 30 (via TMZ).
🚨BREAKING: #Bengals WR Jermaine Burton’s 19-year-old girlfriend accused him of assault.
She told police Burton choked her, damaged her phone, and threatened suicide after an argument. She declined to press charges.
He is also facing eviction from his apartment.
(Via Enquirer) pic.twitter.com/bnAisaOutG
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) January 8, 2025
"The two had been out together and argued before the incident in the woman's Oakley neighborhood apartment, reports show. After the night out, police were called and the woman said Burton met her at her apartment, chased her inside, damaged her phone and assaulted her, including choking her. The caller said before leaving, Burton held a knife to his neck and threatened to kill himself" (per the Enquirer).
During the 911 call, a woman was heard saying, "He said he was going to kill himself... He's a narcissist. He's a manipulator."
The victim, who has been identified as 19 years old, initially wanted to pursue charges, but ultimately then decided to change her mind.
To point out, the assault incident took place before the Bengals played against the Pittsburgh Steelers (19-17 win) on January 4 in the regular season finale.
With this in mind, Burton was not at the game after being been left off the travel roster for the first time this season, and it is unknown if this was because of what had transpired on the 30th.
Fans have responded to the news by urging the Bengals to release Burton immediately.
"It's time to just take the L on Jermaine Burton and move on. If the dude needs help, I hope he gets it," one fan wrote on X.
Some others brought up Burton's previous misconduct as a player for Alabama, when he struck a female fan who rushed the field following Tennessee's 52-49 win over the Crimson Tide in 2022.
Alabama’s Jermaine Burton was booked in county jail late last night for aggravated assault on a Tennessee fan after the 52-49 loss Saturday night.
In the video you can see #3 (Burton) walking off the field and unprovoked punches a female in the side of the head. pic.twitter.com/Sj9MuRqQg9
— Richard G. West (@RGW_News) October 19, 2022
One user said, "Nick Saban said Jermaine Burton was 'scared' when he hit a female Tennessee fan.. Couple years laters he assaults another young girl.. stop making excuses for bad people..."
jermaine burton punching a tennessee fan after the bama loss pic.twitter.com/TQVDj8c5V0
— cam (@gatorstroll) October 17, 2022
As a third round draft pick for the Bengals this year, Burton appeared in 14 games in limited snaps; the 23-year-old had four catches for 107 yards.
Now it appears Burton's career is in jeopardy.
And this isn't the only problem Burton is facing, as he is also facing eviction from his apartment complex due to late rent payments and unspecified damages.
Related: Patriots' Jabrill Peppers Arrested For Assault, Strangulation, And Possession Of Cocaine
