The NFL handed down its verdict from the Myles Garrett attack on Mason Rudolph Thursday night, and with it the Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback wasn’t suspended. Cleveland Browns head coach Freddie Kitchens clearly feels that the NFL is letting Rudolph slide.
When asked Friday about Rudolph not being suspended, Kitchens made his feelings known.
That’s a coach saying a lot without being specific so he doesn’t get fined himself. Clearly, he thinks Rudolph’s actions contributed heavily to what transpired.
Rudolph was in no way innocent.
Yes, he was hit late by Garrett, who did not need to slam him to the turf after play. However, it sure looked like Rudolph kicked Garrett in the groin.
Rudolph also was trying to rip Garrett’s helmet off while the two of them tussled on the ground prior to Garrett ripping his helmet off and hitting him with it.
The truth is that players from both teams acted inappropriately. Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey was suspended three games and fined for hitting and kicking Garrett after he swung Rudolph’s helmet at the quarterback.
Browns defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi was suspended one game for shoving Rudolph in the back. It was ugly.
With that being said, it’s hardly surprising that Kitchens seems to be pretty bitter about the fact that Rudolph escaped the melee unscathed.