Cleveland, Ohio (92.3 The Fan) – With defensive end Myles Garrett indefinitely suspended, co-owner Dee Haslam showed her support Sunday morning prior to their 41-24 victory over the Miami Dolphins.
Mrs. Haslam wore a team winter hat bearing Garrett’s No. 95 on the field as the Browns warmed up to face the Dolphins.
The team hopes that Garrett’s indefinite suspension will not extend beyond this season into the 2020 campaign according to reports on ESPN and CBS Sunday pregame shows.
Under terms of the discipline handed down after Garrett ripped the helmet off Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph and then hit Rudolph in the head with it after Rudolph charged at him, Garrett must meet with the commissioner’s office in the offseason to apply for reinstatement.
Garrett, who forfeits $1.14 million in salary and will have to pay a $45,623 fine, received the largest penalty ever handed down for an on-field incident.
Garrett accused Rudolph of hurling a racial slur during his appeal hearing with James Thrash and confirmed the accusation in a statement after ESPN reported what was supposed to be confidential details of the hearing.
“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. “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.”
On Saturday, the NFL announced Rudolph was fined $50,000 for his role and a total of 33 players along with the Browns and Steelers, who were docked $250,000 each, were fined a whopping $1,309,628 combined.
