4:09 PM PT -- Myles Garrett is not backing down from claims Mason Rudolph hurled a racial slur at him during the helmet-throwing incident ... saying "I know what I heard."
Garrett just issued a statement ripping the NFL ... accusing league officials of leaking confidential information from his appeal hearing to the media.
Here's his statement in full ...
"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 says. "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.