When Myles Garrett made his case to appeal his indefinite suspension on Wednesday, he reportedly told the NFL that Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph had called him a racial slur.
The league, however, was apparently unable to corroborate Garrett's claim.
Shortly after announcing that NFL appeals officer James Thrash had opted to uphold Garrett's indefinite suspension -- which at a minimum will last throughout the remainder of the 2019 season at playoffs -- the NFL said that it found no evidence to support the accusations made by the Cleveland Browns defensive end. Had the league's investigation confirmed Garrett's claims, it remains unclear whether or not it would have altered his punishment.
Rudolph has denied Garrett's accusations.
Nevertheless, Garrett will remain sidelined for at least the final six games of the 2019 season as the result of the fight between himself and Rudolph in the closing seconds of the Browns' 21-7 victory over the Steelers last Thursday.
After tackling Mason Rudolph to the ground following a quick pass to running back Jaylen Samuels, Garrett became entangled on the ground with the Pittsburgh quarterback, who proceeded to tug at his helmet.
From there, Garrett proceeded to rip Rudolph’s own helmet off before being separated by Steelers offensive lineman David DeCastro. But after Rudolph charged at the former No. 1 pick, Garrett hit him in the head with his own helmet before being tackled to the ground by Pittsburgh center Maurkice Pouncey, who punched and kicked him.
Garrett, Pouncey and Larry Ogunjobi were each ejected from the game, with Pouncey receiving a 3-game suspension and Ogunjobi receiving a 1-game suspension for shoving Rudolph to the ground. Ogunjobi’s appeal – which was also heard by Thrash – was denied on Wednesday afternoon, while Pouncey had his suspension reduced to two games following an appeal to appeals officer Derrick Brooks.
Rudolph was fined but not suspended for the altercation.