Getty Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jarvis Landry
It’s been a tough week for the Cleveland Browns, with the focus around the team being centered around the NFL’s indefinite suspension of defensive end Myles Garrett for swinging and hitting Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph in the head.
The story took another turn on Wednesday when allegations from Garrett surfaced that a racial slur from Rudolph sparked the helmet-clubbing. After investigating the claims, the NFL said they found no evidence of the verbal assault.
NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said the league looked into Myles Garrett’s allegations that Mason Rudolph used a racial slur last Thursday night before the brawl “and found no such evidence.”
“We looked into it and found no such evidence,’’ NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy said.
Garrett said he had no intention of making the claim of the racial slur public, but said he knew what he heard in a statement released after his suspension was upheld.
“I was assured that the hearing was space that afforded the opportunity to speak openly and honestly about the incident that led to my suspension,” Garrett said in a tweet. “This was not meant for public dissemination, nor was it a convenient attempt to justify my actions or restore my image in the eyes of those I disappointed.
“I know what I heard. 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.”
According to cleveland.com, the NFL based its conclusion on the game official’s report, and any camera angles available. It used the officials report, which made no mention of the slur. Additionally, the league said no audio was available from the game from mic’d up players or the broadcasts.
Browns WR Jarvis Landry Upset With Myles Garrett Suspension
Browns wide receiver was one of the team’s players to speak out on the punishments to both Garrett and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi, who will miss Sunday’s matchup with the Dolphins on a one game suspension that was upheld.
“It’s like they wanted to put it to bed early and make an example,” Landry told Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal. “The process wasn’t handled appropriately. They expedited the process based on the video footage and based on the reaction of the world.”
What sparked the conversation was Steelers offensive lineman Maurkice Pouncey have his suspension reduced from three to two games, and both of the Browns bans being upheld. He called the punishments “too severe.”
“With the appeal process, you have [Pouncey] kicking and punching Myles, and he gets suspended, [then] he gets a game taken off of his [suspension],” Landry said. “Then you have Larry, who did way less than that. He still gets suspended for his game. So it makes no sense.
“Then you have [Rudolph] who’s involved and pretty much instigated the whole thing, and nothing happens to him. It’s almost like [the NFL is] deliberately trying to like mess with Cleveland.”
Jarvis Landry on Garrett suspensions: “It’s almost like (the NFL is) deliberately trying to mess with Cleveland.” #Browns
Browns Injury Report: David Njoku, Olivier Vernon Out Against Dolphins
Garrett and Ogunjobi will be absent against the Dolphins on Sunday due to suspension, but the Browns will also be missing two key playmakers from both sides of the ball.
Defensive end Olivier Vernon will miss his third consecutive game with a knee injury, while tight end David Njoku will remain inactive following his wrist injury that landed him on IR. Njoku was designated for return earlier this week, but the team had decided he’s not ready to be a full-go on game day just yet.
To account for the absences on the defensive line, the Browns activated defensive tackle Brandin Bryant and defensive end Porter Gustin from the practice squad to the active roster.
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