>>RELATED: Fans, media react
With eight seconds on the game clock, Garrett took Rudolph down after Rudolph released a pass. That led to a scuffle that resulted in Garrett taking Rudolph’s helmet off his head and hitting him with it.
Two Steelers separated them and went after Garrett while others from both teams got involved as well.
Many immediately speculated Garrett will receive a multi-game suspension, and NFLN’s Ian Rapoport confirmed that is on the table.
From @gmfb: Could #Browns DE Myles Garrett face legal charges? The agent for #Steelers QB Mason Rudolph says they will review the matter thoroughly. pic.twitter.com/RIjnZSIWtv
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) November 15, 2019
He also noted Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth received a five-game suspension for stomping on Cowboys offensive lineman Andre Gurode in 2006, while others have brought up former Bengals linebacker Vontaze Burfict receiving multiple multiple-game suspensions for incidents that occurred on the field.
Burfict signed with the Raiders in the offseason and earlier this year received a season-ending suspension after an illegal hit in Week 4.
Another popular reference point comes from outside of football: In the NHL in 2000, Marty McSorley was suspended for more than a quarter of the regular season and all of the playoffs after hitting Donald Brashear in the head with his stick. McSorley was also found guilty in a Canadian court of assault with a deadly weapon.
Rapoport also noted Rudolph’s agent weighed in on Twitter by saying, “Tonight could have had a catastrophic ending. The matter will be reviewed thoroughly.”
When the punishment might come down is unclear.
The Browns (4-6) have six games left and trail the AFC North division-leading Ravens by 3.5 games while the 5-5 Steelers are still a game ahead of Cleveland and 2.5 behind Baltimore.
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