BOSTON (CBS) — Myles Garrett played his final snaps of the season Thursday night. In the closing moments of Thursday night’s win over the Steelers, the Browns edge rusher ripped off Pittsburgh quarterback Mason Rudolph’s helmet and tried to pummel him with it.
On Friday, the NFL suspended Garrett indefinitely without pay. He’s gone for at least the rest of the regular season (six games) and must meet with the commissioner’s office before being reinstated. He was one of three players suspended for the fracas, and the NFL said will likely be more punishments handed down.
Steelers, Browns organizations each fined $250,000.
Browns' Garrett, Ogunjobi & Steelers' Pouncey suspended. pic.twitter.com/HJ4Qnc4xsY
— Michael Signora (@NFLfootballinfo) November 15, 2019
Both the Steelers and the Browns were fined $250,000 for the incident.
The tussle ensued after Garrett tackled Rudolph on the final play of the game. The two were tangled up on the ground, and it looked like they both tried to rip off each other’s helmet. Garrett was successful on that front, and with Rudolph’s helmet in his hand, took a swing at the quarterback, making contact with his unprotected head. He’s lucky that Rudolph, who suffered a concussion just a few weeks ago, didn’t suffer any serious injuries from the incident.
Suspension coming for this. Guaranteed pic.twitter.com/saURgKlnBs
— Will Brinson (@WillBrinson) November 15, 2019
Garrett apologized for his actions on Friday, saying he made a “terrible mistake” in a statement released through the Browns.
Statement from Myles Garrett: pic.twitter.com/txVA970CmW
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) November 15, 2019
After the dust had settled Thursday night, Rudolph called Garrett’s helmet swing “bush league” and “a total coward move.” Not even Garrett’s Cleveland teammates had his back after the brawl.
“It’s inexcusable,” Cleveland quarterback Baker Mayfield said in his on-field interview after the game. “That’s just endangering the other team.”
Current and former NFL players reacted online, and most had a tough time recalling an incident as troubling as Garrett’s.
Bro i can’t even believe that just happen.
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) November 15, 2019
Myles Garrett should not be allowed to play another snap this season
— Kyle Juszczyk (@JuiceCheck44) November 15, 2019
That’s assault at the least… 6 months in jail on the street.. now add the weapon and that’s at least a year right?!
— James Harrison (@jharrison9292) November 15, 2019
In all my life of football that might have been the craziest thing I have seen on a football field! They about to suspend Myles Garrett for 30 years! People getting stomped out, that was a hood fight! 🤦🏾♂️ Hate to see that in our game that’s not what pro football is about!
— Reggie Bush (@ReggieBush) November 15, 2019
The longest suspension the NFL had issued for a single on-field incident is five games, given to then-Tennessee Titans defensive lineman Albert Haynesworth for stomping and kicking Dallas Cowboys center Andre Gurode’s face after ripping off his helmet.
The league topped that with Garrett’s suspension, and they may not be done with him.