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Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Myles Garrett met with league-appointed officer James Thrash on Wednesday in New York City to appeal his indefinite suspension by the NFL.
The hearing lasted about two hours and the league is expected to make a decision “quickly,” according to ESPN’s Diana Russini:
Source says “the decision on Myles Garrett’s appeal could come over the next day or two.” It was explained that they want to make a decision on this quickly. #Browns
— Dianna (@diannaESPN) November 20, 2019
Garrett is facing an indefinite suspension for hitting Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph in the head with his own helmet during the final seconds of last Thursday’s win against the Steelers.
Mason Rudolph addressed the Thursday incident in a prepared statement and brief Q&A before walk through.
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) November 20, 2019
“I consider it a privilege, not a right to be a part of the NFL. To be part of a first class organization ... and I fell short of that expectation last Thursday night.” pic.twitter.com/2OHiDWLEBm
While Garrett was meeting with Thrash, Rudolph met with reporters in Pittsburgh and finally owned up to his role in altercation (quote via Tom Withers of The Associated Press):
“I have no ill will toward Myles Garrett, great respect for his ability as a player and I know if Myles could go back he would handle the situation differently. As for my involvement last week, there is no acceptable excuse. The bottom line is I should have done a better job keeping my composure in that situation. It falls short of what I believe it means to be a Pittsburgh Steeler and a member of the NFL.”
The Browns also returned to practice on Wednesday as they prepare for Sunday’s home game against the Miami Dolphins. In addition to Garrett, the Browns will likely also be without defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi, who has his own one-game suspension from the Pittsburgh game to deal with.
Source says Myles Garrett appeal argument is precedent-based. Antonio Smith got 2 preseason gms + 1 reg season gm for swinging helmet at Incognito in '13. Ergo, even six games (remainder of this season) is too long, they argue. And of course, indefinite suspension unacceptable.
— Dan Graziano (@DanGrazianoESPN) November 20, 2019
Ogunjobi filed his appeal earlier this week, and while the Browns wait for the final word on two mainstays of the defensive line, head coach Freddie Kitchens is focusing the team on the Dolphins, according to The Associated Press:
“Myles will represent himself well. We’re going to continue to support him and Larry and we will not waver with that support. We talk all the time about being the smartest, toughest football team and sometimes one of those things don’t happen and you decrease your chances of winning and you decrease your chances of being successful and we want to add both of those to the mix, not one without the other. So you have to be both. That’s a continual conversation topic and will always be discussed.”
One way or another, the Browns, Garrett and Ogunjobi should know their fates by the end of the week.