Cincinnati Bengals Rookie Addresses ‘Sleeping Through Meetings’ Concerns

Cincinnati Bengals rookie wide receiver Jermaine Burton has been fending off accusations that he has been sleeping through meetings since the Bengals took on the Indianapolis Colts in their final preseason game Thursday.

Amazon Prime Video commentator Al Michaels made a comment when talking about Burton during the preseason matchup with the Colts that alarmed many Bengals fans.

“Sleeping through meetings” was brought up when discussing Cincinnati Bengals WR Jermaine Burton

Burton found his way onto the field during the second half of the preseason matchup with the Colts. His success on the field resulted in the commentary team, which was made up of Kirk Herbstreit and Al Michaels, discussing his short time in the NFL.

Burton had “character concerns” coming into the 2024 NFL draft, which is why many believe the highly talented receiver was able to fall to the Bengals in the third round. Herbstreit and Michaels were discussing his ability to “buy in” and “be a pro” when talking about his ability to be successful in the NFL.

Is Bengals rookie receiver Jermaine Burton sleeping in meetings?

Here’s the exchange between Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit⬇️ pic.twitter.com/dBlEsEV4sI

— James Rapien (@JamesRapien) August 23, 2024

Michaels made a comment about “not sleeping through meetings” that many attributed to Burton’s actual behavior since being drafted by the Bengals.

Michaels never actually said Burton was doing this, he only said that it was part of doing what it takes to “be a pro.” Michaels could have easily been speaking in generalities, stating things that rookies should generally avoid doing.

Cincinnati Bengals WR Jermaine Burton addressed the comments

The comments made when discussing Burton threw many Bengals fans into a frenzy. Cincinnati fans took to social media to express their concern with the fact that Burton, who has shown massive amounts of talent, may not be working out due to already-known “character concerns.”

Burton came out and addressed the comments in an article from Sports Illustrated, saying that he was unaware of the accusations until his mom told him about them.

“I don’t even know,” Burton said in an exclusive interview. “I don’t know where that came from. I was confused myself.”

“I don’t even care about it because I don’t even know what he’s talking about,” Burton added.

Burton has impressed in the preseason but he is behind Princeton Tigers product Andrei Iosivas on the depth chart. Burton had eight receptions, 156 yards receiving and two touchdowns during the preseason, putting him on the map for Bengals faithful.

While the 80th overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft has shown that he can produce on the field when he gets his opportunities, his ability to contribute during the regular season remains to be seen.

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