Former NFL QB: Myles Garrett Should Be Criminally Charged
Nov 15, 2019, 3:27 PM | Updated: Jun 8, 2020, 12:10 pm
Myles Garrett #85 of the Cleveland Browns looks over the offense during the second half of a game against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on November 3, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Browns 24-19. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
(Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – After swinging and hitting Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph in the head with a helmet, Browns defensive lineman Myles Garrett should be criminally prosecuted, according to former NFL quarterback Scott Mitchell.
Football helmets are big, hard and heavy, meant to protect the most precious part of players’ bodies.
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When asked if a football helmet could be considered a deadly weapon in the eyes of the law, lawyer and Harvard graduate, Greg Phillips, simply answered, “Absolutely.”
“Had it hit him (Rudolph) from the crown of the helmet… I bet it would’ve killed him or severely injured him,” Mitchell said on Helmets Off podcast. “It’s a weapon.”
Myles Garrett ripped off Mason Rudolph’s helmet and swung it at him like a weapon. See you in 2020. pic.twitter.com/9wLpEHDTP5
— Don Van Natta Jr. (@DVNJr) November 15, 2019
The incident happened in last night’s Thursday Night Football game between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns.
Since the incident, Garrett has been suspended without pay for the rest of the season including the postseason.
BREAKING: Myles Garrett suspended without pay for the rest of this year, including postseason. Two others suspended for their roles in last night's altercation.@SFarnsworthKSL adds his perspective to the fight
➡️ https://t.co/rQJwm1BbBa https://t.co/adBoB3FpOA— KSL Sports (@kslsports) November 15, 2019
Friday morning after the game and suspension ruling, Garrett offered an apology.
“Last night, I made a terrible mistake,” Garrett said. “I lost my cool and what I did was selfish and unacceptable. I know that we are all responsible for our actions and I can only prove my true character through my actions moving forward. I want to apologize to Mason Rudolph, my teammates, our entire organization, our fans and to the NFL. I know I have to be accountable for what happened, learn from my mistake and I fully intend to do so. “
Apology or not, Mitchell said Rudolph should file criminal charges.
“You’d sue the Cleveland Browns and you’d sue the NFL and you’d win,” said Mitchell. “You’d say they did not provide a safe environment for me to work in. This is workplace violence.”
Mitchell understands football is a violent sport, but this incident pushed the boundaries. When he played for the Detroit Lions defensive players were always trying to hurt him, but they found a way to do it within the rules.
Listen to the full episode of Helmets Off hosted by Scott Mitchell below.
If you enjoyed this analysis check out Helmets Off wherever you find podcasts or on the KSL Sports app.
