AP source: NFL to hear Garrett’s appeal early this week

By Tom Withers

CLEVELAND (AP) >> Myles Garrett will soon learn when he can play again.

The Cleveland Browns star defensive end, who was suspended indefinitely after the NFL ruled he used a helmet “as a weapon” to strike Pittsburgh quarterback Mason Rudolph in the head, will have his appeal heard by the league early this week, a person familiar with the timeline told The Associated Press on Sunday.

Garrett was suspended for at least the final six regular-season games — and the playoffs, if Cleveland qualifies — for his violent outburst in the closing seconds of the Brown’s 21-7 victory over the Steelers on

Thursday night.

Per the collective bargaining agreement, Garrett’s appeal must take place before Cleveland’s next game. The league is still finalizing when the hearing will take place, according to the person who spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the situation.

Garrett wrestled with Rudolph before ripping off his helmet and striking him with it, triggering a melee that also led to the suspensions of Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey (three games) and Browns defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (one game).

The players’ appeals will be heard by league officers Derrick Brooks and James Thrash, both former players. Garrett could argue he was provoked, and it’s possible he could have his suspension reduced. Brooks and Thrash have sided with players in the past, minimizing previous bans in 2017 for former Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict and former Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib.

In handing down its swift ruling on Friday, only 12 hours after the game ended, the league said Garrett’s suspension was “at a minimum for the remainder of the regular season and postseason.” He is also required to meet with Commissioner Roger Goodell’s office before he could be reinstated.

Garrett was fined an undisclosed amount and the

Steelers and Browns were levied $250,000 penalties.

Before his appeal is heard, Garrett’s suspension already is the longest in league history for a single on-field behavior, surpassing Albert Haynesworth’s five-game ban in 2006 for stepping on a player’s face.

The 23-year-old Garrett dragged Rudolph down on a pass play and then fought with the second-year QB on the ground. Rudolph grabbed Garrett’s facemask and unsuccessfully tried to pry off his helmet.

Garrett eventually yanked off Rudolph’s helmet and while being restrained by two Pittsburgh linemen, swung wildly at a charging Rudolph, connecting with the top of the quarterback’s head.