Steelers' Tomlin more disturbed by Smith-Schuster's taunt than hit on Burfict

After years of enduring the Steelers-Bengals rivalry, Pittsburgh head coach Mike Tomlin has grown accustomed to seeing questionable hits whenever the two teams meet.

However, he did not appreciate JuJu Smith-Schuster's reaction after decking Vontaze Burfict with an illegal block on Monday. The Steelers rookie stood over Burfict - who has a history of attempting to injure Pittsburgh players - for several seconds after the hit. Though he was unaware of the extent of the linebacker's injury, it wasn't a great look for Smith-Schuster - especially when Burfict was stretchered off after the play.

The hits in this game.. JuJu just put Vontaze Burfict in a body bag. #PITvsCIN pic.twitter.com/vsJ5Ikkrj9

- YourSports (@YourSports) December 5, 2017

Following the game, the rookie - who is also the league's youngest player - apologized for his hit and his reaction after the play. But despite being disturbed by the post-hit posturing, the Steelers' head coach thinks the young wideout can learn and grow from the mistake.

"His actions after the hit are more disturbing than the hit itself," Tomlin told media Monday, according to Pro Football Talk's Michael David Smith. "Often plays like that are teachable moments and when you look at it you talk about ways you can be safer and so forth.

"He's a better sportsman than he displayed after the block. He's got to work hard so that people understand what type of man he is from a sportsmanship standpoint."

Smith-Schuster could face a suspension from the league and will most definitely receive a fine if he is not issued a ban.

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