Echoing head coach Freddie Kitchens, Cleveland Browns defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson believes the NFL should have suspended Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph for his part in last Thursday night’s melee.
Speaking to reporters Monday after practice, Richardson pointed to the tape: “It’s on camera what he’s doing,” Richardson said, per the Akron Beacon Journal. “There’s no hiding it no matter what he says in the media. It is what it is.”
The “what he says in the media” Richardson is referring to hearkens back to Rudolph calling Myles Garrett a coward after the defensive end escalated a minor skirmish by taking Rudolph’s helmet off his head and bludgeoning him over the head with it.
Though, video does show Rudolph reacting to Garrett taking him to the turf late by trying to rip his helmet off first, and it appears he may have put his foot in Garrett’s groin as well.
Nevertheless, Rudolph was not suspended for his part in the incident. His teammate, center Maurkice Pouncey, was both suspended and fined for hitting and kicking Garrett after the defender assaulted his quarterback.
As for Garrett, he will appeal his indefinite ban with the NFL on Wednesday.