I know many of you are already tired of hearing about this but I have been dealing with a health issue this week so I have only now had the time to write this up.
One thing that really disturbs me are those defending Browns’ DE Myles Garrett because Steelers’ QB Mason Rudolph made an attempt to grab the helmet of Garrett while underneath him on the ground. Let’s get one thing clear: Garrett took a cheap, excessive shot on Rudolph at the very end of a game that was already won and then lingered over him with his 40-pound weight advantage while he was on the ground. At that point, it was Rudolph, not Garrett, that was initiating a self-defense scenario.
It also seems like the additional element of the disparity in race between the two is impacting the judgement of some. I have absolutely no love for the Cleveland Browns or the Pittsburgh Steelers and you will find no rebel flag “memorabilia” in my possession. The bottom line is this: Garrett started it and Garrett took it to another level outside of decency. This is the National Football League and not the chow line at county jail.
I think the NFL’s decision not to punish Rudolph other than a fine was absolutely correct and that it was Garrett who will end up getting off light in the end. He does not belong in the NFL and no one of any creed that did what he did should play in the league either.
Browns head coach Freddie Kitchens also tried to make light of the situation in his response(quote via CBS Sports):
I want Myles to understand that the ball is in his court on how he responds to this. It is up to him on showing people and showing the National Football League that that is not who he is. You are looking at a guy who is a tremendous asset as a teammate, in the entire organization and to our fans. He is always out in the community and doing things for the community. He is a good teammate.
He just lost his cool. He lost his composure. A terrible mistake, and sometimes things like that carry on with someone. If the person puts enough time into it, he can make amends. This will never be like it never happened, but people understand that that is an outlier of Myles Garrett and not the norm.
This whole situation reflects poorly on Kitchens’ ability to create a culture of discipline and respect among his players. Also, a player’s level of talent should not have any impact on our judgement of their self-discipline — or lack thereof.
Luckily for Garrett, Rudolph has declined to press any legal charges in the matter(per ESPN). However, I would not be surprised if some sort of civil case resulted from the incident.
EN 
ES 
DE
Agreed across the board. Garrett, Burflict, Aaron Rodgers. Poor sports need to go! Ban them from the NFL!
Sorry to hear about your health issues, Jason. Fucking health, man. Been there. Been there every year. Every fucking year in the hospital. Haven’t missed a year for a decade now. Three times this year. So, I empathize dude but hopefully it was just a short term illness for you!
Mental health is nothing to take lightly, Hope you get things under control so you stay out of hospital’s. I know we are at odds sometimes, but mental illness should be taken seriously. Sincere good luck in your battle.
Aaron Rodgers. Lol. Get help dude. Or gal. Guess I shouldn’t assume in 2019
Killer Queen? (shrugs)
I am guessing you attempt suicide every year when the Vikings do not advance?
Look at that team effort. You guys mustered up all your collective Packers fan class and put it to work. A fine reflection on Packers fans and the Packers organization.
Aaron Rodgers would be proud of you… while also looking down on you arrogantly and refusing to give you the time of day….
Poor sportsmanship by Aaron and here we go with you little reflections also being poor sports. Little warped mirror images.
Awe
Helmet as weapon is a violation of the “Lyle Alzado rule”. It was called that for a good reason. Lyle was a dirty playing mean SOB who ripped off an opponent’s helmet and tried to use it as weapon against them. Yes, Myles Garret – my new number one poster child for low impulse control – went into the Stratosphere of stupidity with what he did but if Lyle was still alive he’d say, “Hey, that’s my move.”
The shock value of this is maybe in part due to how the NFL, and modern sensibilities, has tried to move on from the past, and some of the dirty play of people like Lyle Alzado, and lest we forget Conrad Dobler. Their “style” was on display pretty regularly just a few decades ago but the modern day commenters and analysts are maybe too young to have them in their frame of reference. Suh is the closest reminder of 80s play, he’s a pretty regular bastard. But there’s a difference between regular bastard, and not at all being in control of one’s emotions.
Rudolph was just about as stupid as Garrett was!