Refs Acting as a Human Divider Between Browns and Steelers During Warmups
By Michael Luciano
An AFC North game in December is going to be chippy no matter what, but the first meeting between the Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers after Myles Garrett decided to rip Mason Rudolph's helmet off and use it as a weapon has the potential to descend into utter chaos.
Pregame warmups were luckily not that volatile, as both Browns personnel and the referees themselves stood at midfield in an attempt to separate the two teams.
Got something of a human divider made by officials and Browns personnel at the midfield logo while both teams warm up.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) December 1, 2019
So far teams are staying separated on the field. pic.twitter.com/sNW8ZNTJdG
The two teams have been trading pot shots with their pregame wardrobes and comments in the media, and both teams will undoubtedly look for chances to get revenge for either Garrett, who has been suspended for the entire season, Rudolph, or Maurkice Pouncey, who will not play in this game.
Steelers players are wearing "Free Pouncey" shirts before their game against the Browns.
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) December 1, 2019
(via @diannaESPN)pic.twitter.com/Y62Ph40nGT
This game is undoubtedly going to get nasty, so the refs needs to set the tone early to make sure that this game doesn't get out of hand early. Knowing what the state of NFL officiating is like, we're not holding our breath.