A week removed from using the helmet of Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph, Cleveland Browns suspended defensive end Myles Garrett won’t see the football field to next year at the earliest.
The NFL upheld its indefinite season long suspension handed down on November 15. Despite using the last helmet incident in the league in 2013 in addition to claiming Rudolph used a racial slur during the incident as points to reduce the suspension, the NFL held its ground.
Garrett twitted out the following response after Thursday afternoon’s decision.
— Myles Garrett ⚡️ (@MylesLGarrett) November 22, 2019
The Browns plan to support Myles during the suspension. Both general manager John Dorsey and head coach Freddie Kitchens released their own statements about the ruling.
Statement from GM John Dorsey on Myles Garrett's suspension being upheldhttps://t.co/4vyt2Tf2Qy pic.twitter.com/M5XtHUr42k
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) November 22, 2019
“As we’ve consistently stated, our organizational support for Myles will continue,” Dorsey said. “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.”
HC Freddie Kitchens at the podium. https://t.co/Rx5nr6WRnY
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) November 21, 2019
“What Myles and I talk about will stay between Myles and I,” Kitchens said. “I am sure that Myles presented himself professionally like he has done ever since the moment it happened afterwards. He has been nothing but professional in his responses. I can’t really comment on the arbitrator’s decision. We will respect his decision on whatever he decides, and I know Myles presented himself professionally to the arbitrator and the hearing. I stand by Myles, and that is not going to waver.”
Now the time has come to move forward. For Garrett it’s time to get the reputation he wants to be known for back. As for the Browns, it’s time to focus on winning their third straight game as the Miami Dolphins visit the lakefront this Sunday.
Scott Piker is the Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Cavaliers and Cleveland Indians Managing Editor for Full Press Coverage.com. So follow him on twitter @ScottPikerSport
