NFL Reveals Appeals Decisions for Myles Garrett and Maurkice Pouncey
By Karl Rasmussen
Cleveland Browns DE Myles Garrett and Steelers OL Maurkice Pouncey were suspended following their involvement in the infamous Thursday Night Football brawl during which Garrett hit Mason Rudolph in the head with his own helmet.
Both Garrett and Pouncey met with appeals officers Derrick Brooks and James Thrash on Wednesday, pleading their case for a reduced punishment.
Well, the verdict was revealed Thursday. Pouncey's initial three-game suspension is set to be reduced, while Garrett's indefinite ban will be upheld.
Appeals officers Derrick Brooks and James Thrash, jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFLPA, have reached their decisions on the discipline appeals for Myles Garrett and Maurkice Pouncey. pic.twitter.com/xfLpiHpVBc
— Michael Signora (@NFLfootballinfo) November 21, 2019
Per a release from the NFL, Garrett will remained suspended indefinitely, preventing him from taking the field for the Browns for the remainder of the season and the postseason -- if they make it.
In order for Garrett to be reinstated to the league, he will be forced to sit down with Roger Goodell.
During his appeal, Garrett reportedly accused Rudolph of having used a racial slur during the confrontation. The basis for Garrett's appeal was that it's against the NFL's CBA to indefinitely ban a player, and the longest suspension for an on-field altercation was previously three games.
His arguments didn't seem to sway the opinions of Thrash and Brooks, who refused to lift, reduce, or create a definitive end to his suspension.
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
As for Pouncey, this three-game suspension has been reduced down to two games. Unfortunately, he will still be sidelined for the highly-anticipated rematch between Pittsburgh and Cleveland. But the Steelers should be thankful they'll have him on the field a week sooner than anticipated.