Although there was a game played on Thursday night which had serious playoff implications at the midpoint of the season, the overwhelming story was the vicious attack by Myles Garrett on quarterback Mason Rudolph with 0:08 left in a game where the outcome was no longer in doubt. With three Steelers already leaving the game with concussions and one Browns player ejected for targeting, Garrett took the events of the game to a historic level as this game will be labeled as one of the top horrific incidences on the field in the NFL. It was an unprecedented action which needed unprecedented discipline.
In response to the assault, the NFL has suspended Myles Garrett Indefinitely. Garrett will be suspended all of the 2019 season including the postseason with a longer suspension still possible.
In all from the NFL:
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 15, 2019
— #Browns DE Myles Garrett suspended without pay indefinitely, at least the rest of the season.
— #Steelers OL Maurkice Pouncey suspended 3 games and fined
— #Browns DL Larry Ogunjobi suspended one game and fined.
— Other players involved may be fined.
For his retaliation in defending his quarterback, Pittsburgh Steelers Center, Maurkice Pouncey has been suspended three games without pay. Knowing that punishment would be coming following the game, Pouncey was prepared without regret for whatever punishment the league dished out.
“At this point, who cares?” Pouncey asked after the game. “My man got hit in the head with a helmet. I’ll accept whatever penalty it is.”
Both former and current NFL players took to social media and support for Pouncey as he defended his quarterback from the attack. Although Pouncey’s actions were necessary, any player who throws a punch or kicks another player is not not going to escape punishment regardless of the circumstance.
As for the other player involved in the incident, Larry Ogunjobi was also given a one game suspension. Unfortunately, this means he will return just in time to travel to Pittsburgh to play the Steelers in Week 13.
One issue which still could come into play is the legal ramifications of the incident. In a statement on Twitter last night, Mason Rudolph‘s agent implied they are looking into legal action.
There are many risks an NFL QB assumes with every snap taken on the field. Being hit on your uncovered head by a helmet being swung by a 275 lb DE is not one of them. Tonight could have had a catastrophic ending. The matter will be reviewed thoroughly.
— Younger & Associates/QB Limited (@YoungerAssoc) November 15, 2019
One final discipline by the NFL was fining both the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Cleveland Browns $250,000. The matter has not been officially concluded in regards with the NFL as further fines and suspensions can still be issued.