UPDATED 11/21/19 9:39 p.m.: Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com reports that the NFL "found no such evidence" that would support Garrett's claim that Rudolph used a racial slur. Since the league didn't have any recorded sound from the field, they made this determination through the use of the game official’s report, and any available camera angles.
The league also spoke with referee Clete Blakeman, who was the closest official to Garrett and Rudolph at the time of the incident. Blakeman said he did not hear a racial slur.
UPDATED 11/21/19 7:40 p.m.: Myles Garrett has responded to the appeal hearing report with a note shared on Twitter. Garrett didn't explicitly mention the alleged racial slur, but he did allude to Mason Rudolph saying something offensive.
"I know what I heard," he wrote. "Whether my opponent's comment was born out of frustration or ignorance, I cannot say. But his actions do not excuse my lack of restraint in the moment, and I truly regret the impact this has had on the league, the Browns, and our devoted fans."
See original story below.
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett claims Mason Rudolph called him a racial slur ahead of the fight that lead to Garrett's suspension. NFL reporter Adam Schefter shared the news on Twitter.
Garrett was ejected from a game against the Steelers after getting into a fight with the Steelers QB. Over the course of the scuffle, Garrett removed Rudolph's helmet. Other Steelers intervened and pulled Garrett away from Rudolph, but when the QB ran at Garrett, the defensive end swung the helmet and hit Rudolph in the head. His actions lead to an indefinite suspension from the NFL.
He's appealing that suspension and it was during that appeal that Garrett leveled allegations against Rudolph. Browns head coach Freddie Kitchens declined to comment on the appeal, but added that he believes Garrett is a professional and he supports his player in the process.
Rudolph's attorney had no such qualms. He called Garrett's story an outright lie and accused the DE of blame-shifting to lessen the severity of his suspension.
"The malicious use of this wild and unfounded allegation is an assault on Mason's integrity," attorney Timothy Younger wrote. "This is reckless and shameful."
Odell Beckjam Jr. was also asked about the situation, and said that he doesn't see Garrett as "someone who would lie."
