(Associated Press)
TOM WITHERS November 15, 2019
CLEVELAND — Myles Garrett swung a helmet. The NFL will soon swing back.
The Browns star could be facing an unprecedented league suspension for his violent outburst Thursday night, when he ripped off Pittsburgh quarterback Mason Rudolph’s helmet and clubbed him on the head during the final seconds of Cleveland’s 21-7 win.
Garrett’s startling actions on national TV will come with a price. It’s possible the league could come down hard on the former No. 1 overall pick, who made strides in cleaning up his game after picking up personal fouls earlier this season.
Following the game, Garrett was contrite, but the damage was already done.
“What I did was foolish, and I shouldn’t have allowed myself to slip like that,” Garrett said softly. “It’s out of character.”
It’s now out of his hands, and it’s possible the league could end Garrett’s season by docking him the final six games.
In 2006, Tennessee’s Albert Haynesworth was suspended five games after he stomped on Dallas Cowboys center Andre Gurode’s head. Haynesworth’s punishment is the longest for on-field behavior in league history.
The NFL could act swiftly to punish Garrett, whose actions brought reaction from players across the league.
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes posted “Bro I can’t believe that just happened” on Twitter following the game and Houston defensive end J.J. Watt wrote: “That. Is. Insanity. Wow.”