CUT THE TENSION

NFL Finds No Evidence Mason Rudolph Used Racial Slur Against Myles Garrett Before Fight

Myles Garrett’s suspension was upheld on Thursday.

The indefinite suspension of Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett was upheld after the NFL star accused Mason Rudolph of using a racial slur against him before their mid-game fight last week, the Associated Press reports. Garrett reportedly made the accusation against the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback during a Wednesday appeal hearing over the suspension decision, which Rudolph denied. According to ESPN, NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said they “found no such evidence” that Rudolph used a racial slur against Garrett before the fight. Steelers spokesman Burt Lauten says he will not discuss “any further” as his “focus remains on preparation for Sunday’s game.”

Garrett was indefinitely suspended for ripping off Rudolph’s helmet and hitting him in the head with it in the final seconds of Thursday’s game. Rudolph’s attorney claims that Garrett falsely accused his client of using a racial slur “in a desperate attempt to mitigate his suspension.” A source told ESPN that a fine is expected, though Rudolph has not been punished for the incident. Garrett’s allegation, which was made in his initial comments during the hearing, caused tension on both sides about whether it was permissible to be used in the appeal.