Browns defensive end Myles Garrett’s indefinite suspension upheld
BEREA, Ohio – If the Browns are going to string together enough wins to make the playoffs, they’ll be forced to do so without their best defensive player.
Myles Garrett learned Thursday he won’t play for at least the rest of the 2019 season – the final six regular-season games and playoffs – because appeals officer James Thrash upheld the Pro Bowl defensive end’s suspension.
The NFL suspended Garrett indefinitely without pay for ripping off the helmet of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph and swinging the helmet onto Rudolph’s head late in the Browns’ 21-7 win Nov. 14 on “Thursday Night Football.”
Garrett attended his appeal hearing Wednesday in New York to state his case in front of Thrash, a former NFL player who’s jointly appointed and compensated by the league and NFL Players Association.
On Thursday, ESPN reported Garrett said during his appeals hearing Rudolph called him a racial slur just before their fight broke out.
Missing six game checks will cost Garrett $1.14 million. The NFL also fined Garrett $45,623, a league source confirmed.
Garrett must still meet with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell prior to a decision on his reinstatement.
“You’re never going to replace a Myles Garrett with one individual,” Browns coach Freddie Kitchens said. “That’s what makes him so special. But do we feel like we have guys here that can do the job? Yes, we do, and I think those guys feel confident in that, too.”
The NFL suspended Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey without pay for three games ($176,470) because he reacted to Garrett’s helmet swing by punching and kicking him. The league also suspended Browns defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi without pay for one game ($48,246) because he shoved a helmet-less Rudolph down from behind.
Appeals officer Derrick Brooks reduced Pouncey’s suspension from three games to two games Thursday and upheld the offensive lineman’s $35,096 fine.
Thrash upheld Ogunjobi’s one-game ban Wednesday but rescinded a $10,527 fine the player received for his role in the melee.