Cleveland Browns: Myles Garrett claims Mason Rudolph used racial slur
By Dan Justik
As a part of his appeal, Myles Garrett claims Mason Rudolph used a racial slur, which incited his reaction during the Cleveland Browns-Steelers brawl.
On Wednesday in New York, Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett gave his side of the story from the brawl on Thursday Night Football to attempt to get his indefinite suspension reduced, or at least have a timetable put on the suspension.
As a part of his appeal, Garrett claimed Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph used a racial slur before the brawl started and before Garrett swung Rudolph’s helmet at the Steelers quarterback’s head, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Josina Anderson.
Rudolph’s agent has fervently denied Garrett’s allegation, saying the claim is a lie. While meeting with the media Wednesday, Rudolph said he did not say anything to Garrett that would have caused the brawl to reach the point it did. Following the game, Garrett declined to comment on if Rudolph said something to cause the brawl.
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Garrett’s allegation during the appeal hearing reportedly drew criticism from the league representatives, who said the allegation should not have been permissible at that point of the appeal process.
"Garrett made the allegation as part of his initial comments during the appeal hearing in New York, sources said. It created an argumentative exchange between both sides about whether the allegation was permissible to be used in the appeal at that time. – via ESPN"
Garrett’s claim that Rudolph used a slur will create an even messier situation for the NFL and James Thrash, the independent appeals officer. Although they want to take a tough stance on Garrett’s actions, it will prove difficult to give Garrett a serious punishment if his allegation proves to be true.
However, actually proving Garrett’s allegation will require the NFL to have audio from the moment it happened. Depending on who was mic’d up during the game, it will either be easier or harder to prove if Rudolph actually used the slur.
If there was no one mic’d up who was in the middle of the brawl, it will be nearly impossible to prove if Rudolph said what Garrett claims he said. At that point, it will only be Garrett’s word that the moment actually happened. But if there is audio from a player who was involved or near the brawl, there is a possibility of hearing if Rudolph used a racial slur.
Even if Garrett’s suspension remains or is reduced, this is a situation the NFL will have to investigate. They should review any on-field audio they have in order to try to prove if a slur was or was not used.
Depending on if the on-field audio is reviewed, Garrett’s allegation could prove to have a major impact on his suspension. Despite Garrett’s inexcusable actions, there should be some sympathy given if Rudolph said what Garrett claims he said.
Next. Myles Garrett has precedents in his appeal case. dark
No matter the results of Garrett’s appeal, this is a situation that is not going to be wrapped up anytime soon. And even if the appeals process is finished, there will certainly be a lot of extra emotion when the Browns and Steelers take the field against each other again on December 1 that could lead to further extracurricular activities.