Mason Rudolph called Myles Garrett's use of Rudolph's helmet as a weapon against him last Thursday night a "cowardly" act following the Steelers' 21-7 loss in Cleveland against the Browns.
Wednesday, addressing the incident for the first time since, Rudolph expressed regret for his part in the incident, which included him being bludgeoned over the head with his own helmet and teammate Maurkice Pouncey attacking Garrett after that.
“I should have done a better job keeping my cool in that situation," Rudolph said. "In retrospect, I put Maurkice Pouncey, probably one of the best teammates I have ever had, in a tough spot, as well as my (other) teammates.
“The way I saw it, on the final play of the game, with the game in hand the way it was. We had already lost two of our players to targeting penalties from the game. As I released the ball, I took a late shot, did not agree with the way he then took me to the ground. My natural reaction was to just get him off from on top of me.
“Again, I should have done a better job handling that situation. I have no ill-will towards Myles Garrett, great respect for his ability as a player. I know if Myles could go back, he would handle the situation differently.
“As for my involvement last week, there is no acceptable excuse. The bottom line is I should have done a better job keeping my composure in that situation. I fell short of what I believe it means to be a Pittsburgh Steeler and a member of the NFL. I understand there are going to be a few questions, but I think it’s in the best interest of our team, my teammates, our coaches to kind of move forward from this and move things on to the Cincinnati Bengals and keep looking to try to stack some wins here."
Garrett took Rudolph to the ground with eight seconds remaining in the game after quarterback had released a pass to the flat to running back Jaylen Samuels, wrapping Rudolph in both of his arms while taking him down.
He then rolled over on top of Rudolph while the two were on the ground and Rudolph grabbed for Garrett's helmet. Garrett responded by ripping the helmet from Rudolph before guard David DeCastro and tackle Matt Feiler got in between the two, pushing Garrett away.
Rudolph charged at Garrett and Garrett responded by hitting him over the head in a full swing with his helmet, after which he was taken to the ground by DeCastro and Pouncey, who proceeded to punch and kick the defensive end.
As that happened, Browns defensive end Larry Ogunjobi ran in and hit Rudolph from behind, knocking him to the ground.
Garrett, Ogunjobi and Pouncey were ejected from the game. Garrett received an indefinite suspension, Ogunjobi one game and Pouncey three for their actions. Both teams were fined $250,000.
Rudolph and others are expected to be fined later this week. A number of players from both teams left the bench area.
“Whatever the league hands out, I am going to comply with that. I have not received anything yet," Rudolph said.
Pouncey had an appeal hearing on Tuesday in New York, while Garrett had a hearing on Wednesday. Results of those hearings have not yet been released.
“One of the best teammates I have ever had," Rudolph reiterated. "A guy you want on your team. He has your back. He’s got everybody’s back on this team. I put him in a bad spot and we are looking to get him back as soon as possible, whenever that is.”
The Steelers travel to Cincinnati Sunday to face the Bengals before returning home Dec. 1 for a rematch with the Browns.
MATT SUNDAY GALLERY
Steelers practice, Rooney Sports Complex, Nov. 20, 2019 -- MATT SUNDAY / DKPS