Myles Garrett Accused Mason Rudolph of Using Racial Slur Before Fight During Suspension Appeal
By Mark Powell
Myles Garrett's appeal of his indefinite suspension -- one which would end his season -- has taken a turn, as the Browns DE alleged Pittsburgh Steelers QB Mason Rudolph previously called him a racial slur, leading to his outrage and the eventual incident.
Rudolph denied the use of a racial slur, but should Garrett's allegation prove true, it would add some weight as to the seemingly uncontrolled rage the former No. 1 overall pick fell victim to when he and the Steelers QB got tangled up with a mere seconds remaining in what would become a Cleveland win on Thursday Night Football.
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
"Mason vehemently denies the report of being accused of using a racial slur during the incident Thursday night in Cleveland," Steelers spokesman Burt Lauten said. "He will not discuss this accusation any further and his focus remains on preparation for Sunday's game against the Cincinnati Bengals."
While they're both on to planning for their next opponents -- the Steelers face the Bengals this week and the Browns host the Dolphins -- in just two weeks' time these teams will meet again in what's sure to be a spirited affair given the latest series of events.
Mason Rudolph’s attorney, Timothy M. Younger, now has responded to Myles Garrett’s accusations: pic.twitter.com/aQj5FxW2cq
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) November 21, 2019
We'll have more on this situation as it develops. It's unclear if Garrett's accusation will carry any weight in the league office, but this could change the narrative in a significant way.