CLEVELAND — Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett might have lost his appeal, but he did not lose the support of his team and maintains his claim that Steelers’ quarterback Mason Rudolph called him a racial slur prior to an altercation.
During his appeal hearing in New York on Wednesday, Garrett alleged that Mason Rudolph called him a racial slur just before last week’s brawl in the last eight seconds of the game against the Steelers.
RELATED: Myles Garrett apologizes in statement following indefinite suspension
Following the NFL appeals officers’ decision to uphold Garrett’s indefinite suspension, Browns’ general manager John Dorsey issued a statement regarding the situation.
As we’ve consistently stated, our organizational support for Myles will continue. He is a man of high character and unquestionable integrity. He was open and honest with us about the incident from the start. He has taken accountability for his actions on Thursday night and this situation will not define him. As an organization, our focus going forward remains on the task-at-hand, which is preparing for the Miami Dolphins.
Garrett himself addressed the situation, posting it on Twitter Thursday evening.
In the statement, Garrett maintains that Rudolph called him a racial slur, saying “I know what I heard.”
Garrett said he was assured his allegation against Rudolph was private and that it was “not meant for public dissemination nor was it a convenient attempt to justify my actions or restore my image in the eyes of those I disappointed.”
— Myles "Flash" Garrett ⚡️ (@MylesLGarrett) November 22, 2019
In upholding Garrett’s indefinite suspension, the league has ruled Garrett ineligible for the remainder of games this season, including any postseason games. He will be able to apply for reinstatement next season.
RELATED: NFL finds 'no such evidence' of Garrett's allegation that Rudolph used racial slur
