This situation has caused a lot of uproar and hate towards Myles Garrett, some of which I believe should be shared with Mason Rudolph. I am in no way condoning or defending Garrett’s actions, but I will not act as if the whole fight was his fault. There are multiple images that capture Rudolph’s unsportsmanlike actions.
The real incident that occurred was an overreaction to a “late” hit by an unaware Garrett. Garrett was doing his job by finishing the play, as defensive ends are taught to do. Also, the referee never threw a flag until the fight. In the same instant that Rudolph released the ball, Garrett had wrapped him up under the impression he was getting a sack. As Garrett finally brings Rudolph to the ground, Rudolph is clearly seen going for Garrett’s helmet. Keep in mind Garrett was on his back when he hit the ground, so Rudolph was on top. Garrett rolls himself and Rudolph over so he can stand up, however he is unable to because the back of his helmet is being pulled. Once the Steelers offensive linemen go to break up the scuffle. Garrett goes for Rudolph’s helmet, in retaliation, which he successfully removed. There is also an image showing Rudolph’s cleat directly on Garrett’s “groin area”, when the linemen are separating the two. The following indecent was the inexcusable helmet swing.
This whole incident was very impulsive and unfortunate. Garrett’s actions have been appropriately punished. But I believe Rudolph should also suffer a punishment by missing a game or two. He is being viewed as victim when he is rather the initiator. The way I see it, Garrett got him back but went too far. Again I am in no way condoning Garrett’s action. I believe Rudolph is also deserving a punishment as well.
Here is a link to the fight from CNBC YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FbynzAZlklw
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