Garrett's indefinite suspension upheld, Pouncey's ban reduced
The NFL upheld the indefinite suspension for Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett on Thursday after an appeal.
The ruling by jointly appointed appeals officer James Thrash confirms that Garrett will sit out the rest of the season, including any playoff games, for swinging Mason Rudolph's helmet at the quarterback in the final seconds of last Thursday's game.
Browns general manager John Dorsey released a statement shortly after the ruling was made public:
Statement from GM John Dorsey on Myles Garrett's suspension being upheldhttps://t.co/4vyt2Tf2Qy pic.twitter.com/M5XtHUr42k
— Cleveland Browns (@Browns) November 22, 2019
Meanwhile, Pittsburgh Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey's three-game ban was reduced to two games. Pouncey - who was disciplined for kicking a downed Garrett - will miss the rematch between the Steelers and Browns in Week 13.
Garrett was also fined $45,623, a source told Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
Pouncey's fine of $35,096 was upheld by the other appeals officer, Derrick Brooks.
During his appeal, Garrett reportedly accused Rudolph of using a racial slur prior to the brawl, an allegation that the quarterback "vehemently denies."
When Garrett's suspension was first announced, the league said he would be required to meet with commissioner Roger Goodell "prior to a decision on his reinstatement."