Browns Garrett Says Steelers QB Rudolph Called Him a Racial Slur Prior to Thursday’s Fight

And yet again the plot between Myles Garrett and Mason Rudolph thickens.

The Browns defensive end made an appearance for a hearing in New York to appeal the indefinite suspension that was thrown at him on Friday for going after Steelers QB Mason Rudolph.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that during the hearing, Garrett stated that Rudolph called him a racial slur just prior to the fight breaking out with eight seconds left in the Browns 21-7 win.

The Steelers quarterback strongly denies using any sort of slur, and the Steelers put out a statement on the matter.

“Mason vehemently denies the report of being accused of using a racial slur during the incident Thursday night in Cleveland,” Steelers spokesman Burt Lauten said in a statement.

“He will not discuss this accusation any further and his focus remains on preparation for Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals.”

Rudolph’s attorney Timothy M. Younger also came out in defense of the quarterback after the claim against Rudolph was was made.

“According to ESPN, in his appeal, Myles Garrett falsely asserted that Mason Rudolph uttered a racial slur toward him, prior to swinging a helmet at Mason’s uncovered head, in a desperate attempt to mitigate his suspension. This is a lie. This false allegation was never asserted by Garrett in the aftermath of the game, never suggested prior to the hearing, and conspicuously absent in the apology published by the Browns and adopted by Garrett.

“The malicious use of this wild and unfounded allegation is an assault on Mason’s integrity which is far worse than the physical assault witnessed on Thursday. This is reckless and shameful. We will have no further comment.”

The hearing for Garrett lasted roughly two hours, and the results on if the suspension will be reduced are expected to be announced on Thursday.