The newest development in the aftermath of the Steelers-Browns brawl broke on Thursday afternoon.
Browns’ DE Myles Garrett said in the appeal of his suspension that Steelers’ QB Mason Rudolph called him a racial slur. He claims this happened directly prior to the brawl that ended in three suspensions and $500,000 in fines for both teams combined.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported the claim on Thursday. He claims sources told both he and ESPN’s Josina Anderson that Garrett made the accusation.
In an appeal with the NFL, Browns’ DE Myles Garrett alleged that Mason Rudolph called him a racial slur prior to last week's brawl on Thursday Night Football, sources told ESPN's Josina Anderson and me, an accusation the Steelers’ QB strongly denies.https://t.co/NUQfAJdo6B
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 21, 2019
In the brawl, Garrett grabbed Rudolph’s helmet and used it as a weapon, hitting the Steelers’ QB in the head. After the inciting incident, an all-out fight broke out in the waning seconds of the game. Garrett ended up on the ground, punches and kicks were thrown and ejections were handed out.
You can watch the fight here, courtesy of ABC News. Please be aware this clip contains violent content.
In the aftermath, Garrett was suspended for the remainder of the season and postseason, if the Browns make the playoffs. Steelers’ center Maurkice Pouncey was suspended for three games and Browns’ DT Larry Ogunjobi was suspended for one game. Both teams were fined $250,000 for the incident.
While Ogunjobi’s appeal was heard and his suspension upheld, his fine was dropped. The NFL is currently in the process of hearing Pouncey and Garrett’s appeals.
It is near impossible to say what would happen if the NFL found irrefutable evidence that Rudolph used a racial slur prior to the fight. Needless to say, the context of the situation would change completely, and the NFL would have an even bigger mess on their hands.
As of Thursday, all suspensions are expected to be held up. If that is the case, then Cleveland will play Miami at home without Garrett and Ogunjobi. The Steelers will visit winless Cincinnati without their seven-time Pro Bowl center.
Featured Image courtesy of USA TODAY Sports
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