The NFL has suspended Myles Garrett for clubbing Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph in the head.
The Thursday game between Cleveland Brown and Pittsburgh Steelers ended on a rather ugly note after Browns’ defensive end, Myles Garrett took off the helmet of Steelers quarterback, Mason Rudolph and struck him in the head with it. The incident which happened in the final seconds of the game led to the suspension of Garrett on Friday.
“Garrett went against unnecessary roughness and unsportsmanlike conduct rules as well as fighting, taking off the helmet of an opponent and using it as a weapon,” the NFL said in a statement. The NFL announced that the suspension would last for the rest of this season and maybe longer. Myles Garrett will also not be participating in playoffs should his team make it. The NFL said that the player will have to meet with the commissioner’s office before he can be reinstated in 2020.
In a statement issued on Friday, Garrett said: “I made a terrible mistake last night. I lost my cool and my action was selfish and unacceptable. I take responsibility for what I did and moving forward, I will prove my true character through my actions.” The player apologized to Mason Rudolph, his teammates, their entire organization, the fans, and the NFL. He said that he intends to learn from his mistakes.
Freddie Kitchens, the coach of Cleveland Browns said that the team will continue to be there for Garrett. He said that the player understands the magnitude of what he has done and is very sorry for his actions. “He understands that he let himself and everyone else down. However, we see our team as a family and sometimes family members make mistakes. You will have to support them in every way that you can regardless of how huge the mistake is,” he added.
The NFL also suspended Browns defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi and Pittsburgh center Maurkice Pouncey for their role in the incident. Browns and Steelers organizations have been fined $250,000 each by the NFL.
