Introduction
Jermaine Burton — once a promising wide receiver coming out of college — has recently found himself under intense scrutiny. From a surprising suspension by Cincinnati Bengals to questions about off-field choices and unimpressive professional output, Burton’s journey has become a cautionary tale about talent, opportunity, and conduct. This article delves into his background, college performance, recent suspension, and what’s being said about alleged “casino” problems and off-field issues.
College Career & College Stats
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Burton’s collegiate football career began at Georgia Bulldogs (2020–2021), and he later transferred to Alabama Crimson Tide (2022–2023).
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Over his two seasons at Alabama, he caught 79 passes for 1,475 yards and 15 touchdowns, including four 100-yard receiving games.
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In his final year (2023), Burton led the Southeastern Conference (SEC) and ranked sixth nationally in yards per reception, with 20.5 yards per catch.
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His 2021 season at Georgia was also notable — 26 catches for 497 yards and 5 touchdowns.
Taken together, Burton’s college career painted the picture of a high-ceiling, big-play wide receiver with serious potential — which helped him get drafted into the NFL.
NFL Career & Stats: Underwhelming Start
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The Bengals selected Burton in the third round (80th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft.
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In the 2024 season, across 14 games (with 1 start), Burton logged just 4 receptions for 107 yards. His average of 26.8 yards per catch indicates the catches he did make were often deep, but volume was almost non-existent.
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He also contributed as a kickoff returner, running back 13 kickoffs for 378 return yards (approx. 29.1 yards/return).
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However, his overall impact on offense remained minimal, and he didn’t record any touchdowns in his rookie season.
Taken together, Burton’s pro start was decidedly underwhelming compared to the expectations set by his college pedigree — limited targets, few touches, and minimal production.
Suspension by the Bengals & Release
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On December 7, 2025, the Bengals suspended Burton for their game against the Buffalo Bills. The suspension was “for non-injury related reasons,” announced roughly 90 minutes before kickoff, and the team said Burton would not receive a game check.
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Burton did not travel with the team.
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The very next day, the team waived him.
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According to official records, Burton never played a snap in the 2025 season before being released.
In short: a sudden suspension, no public explanation, and a quick release — signaling a sharp fall from grace for a once-heralded prospect.
Off-Field Controversies: “Casino” Rumours & Allegations
Though there is no publicly confirmed evidence linking Burton to gambling or casinos, the narrative has gained traction among fans and in some circles — particularly fantasy football forums. For instance:
“Broke Burton … He’s hitting the casinos after games.”
“He’s a gambling addict.”
These comments reflect broader frustration among fans regarding Burton’s lack of production and perceived immaturity. Still, these remain speculative and unverified.
What is on record:
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In late 2024, Burton was accused by a woman he had been dating of assault: she alleged he broke into her home, damaged her phone, physically assaulted her, and threatened suicide. No charges were filed, as she declined to press charges.
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He also faced eviction from his Cincinnati apartment — twice in two months — as landlords filed civil suits for unpaid rent.
The combination of legal trouble, financial problems, and non-football-related team issues contributed to the view that Burton was a “risk” — one the Bengals ultimately decided to cut.
The Fallout & What’s Next for Jermaine Burton
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With the 2025 suspension and subsequent waiver, Burton’s NFL future is — at best — uncertain. His college pedigree and raw physical attributes still make him a potentially high-reward player, but off-field red flags and a disappointing pro debut create serious obstacles.
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Among fans and analysts, opinions remain sharply divided. Some on fantasy-football subreddits have already moved on:
“I really wanted this guy to work out … but holy hell this is the LAST time I draft a player with serious character concerns.”
Meanwhile, others — albeit fewer — still hold onto hope that a change of scenery or renewed focus could revive his career.
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Ultimately, for Burton to get another shot at the NFL (or any other professional opportunity), he’ll likely need to address off-field issues, show personal growth, and prove he can translate his college explosiveness into consistent, dependable performance on the field.
Conclusion
Jermaine Burton’s journey — from a college star with elite potential to a suspended, waived NFL player — is a stark reminder of how off-field behavior, maturity, and professionalism matter just as much as raw talent. While his college stats showed a high ceiling, his pro career faltered quickly. Rumours of “casino” problems and documented legal/financial issues have only complicated matters. At this point, Burton’s future remains uncertain: he gets no pass simply for past potential.
