Three months ago, Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett told NFL officials that Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph had directed a racial slur at him during the Nov. 14 Steelers-Browns game in Cleveland’s FirstEnergy Stadium. The alleged slur—which Rudolph categorically denies saying and which the NFL says available evidence doesn’t substantiate—would have occurred during an on-field skirmish between Browns and Steelers players. The skirmish was highlighted by Garrett striking Rudolph in the skull with Rudolph’s helmet.
Garrett, who apologized for the strike and who didn’t mention the alleged slur during a post-game press conference, was one of several players suspended by the NFL.