CINCINNATI -- Mason Rudolph didn't get suspended for his actions in the Steelers' loss Nov. 14 at Cleveland, but he did basically play the game against the Browns for free.
Per the NFL Network, Rudolph was fined $50,000 for his actions in the brawl that occurred in the closing seconds of the game, won by the Browns, 21-7, that included the Steelers quarterback being hit over the head with his own helmet, which had been ripped from his head moments before by Browns defensive end Myles Garrett.
As part of his $658,000 salary this season, Rudolph earns approximately $38,000 per week, meaning it cost him money to participate in the game.
But three Browns players also were fined for illegal hits in the game.
Safety Damarious Randall was fined $28,075 for unnecessary roughness and was ejected for a hit to the head of Diontae Johnson. Johnson was knocked out of the game with a concussion but is expected to play this week.
Defensive end Chad Thomas was fined $21,056 for a hit on Rudolph.
On the same play, JuJu Smith-Schuster was injured by a helmet-to-helmet hit by cornerback Greedy Williams. Williams received a $28,075 for the play, though he did not receive an in-game penalty.
The fines comes days after Garrett also alleged Rudolph uttered a racial slur at him to help escalate the fight. Rudolph and his teammates vehemently denied the accusation, while the NFL investigated the charge and found no evidence to support Garrett's claim, which came during his appeals hearing a week after the incident.
Garrett has been suspended indefinitely by the NFL for his actions, while Browns teammate Larry Ogunjobie drew a one-game suspension for hitting Rudolph from behind, knocking him to the ground at the end of the altercation. Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey was suspended for three games, later reduced to two, for kicking and punching Garrett on the ground after he had been taken down by guard David DeCastro.
Garrett also was fined $45,523, while Ogunjobi's fine of $10,571 was rescinded. Pouncey was fined $36,096. All three also will not be paid for the weeks they are suspended.
A total of 33 players were fined for various things in the game, believed to be an NFL record. Most of those were for leaving the bench area.
Both teams also were fined $250,000 each for the incident. They meet again at Heinz Field Dec. 1. The Steelers are in Cincinnati to take on the Bengals Sunday, while the Browns host the Dolphins.
