One week after the helmet slam heard ‘round the world, the NFL finalized its discipline for the primary Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns involved.
Cleveland defensive lineman Myles Garrett had his suspension for the remainder of this season upheld by appeals officer James Thrash, the league announced Thursday. Garrett, who still must apply to the commissioner’s office for reinstatement in 2020., was given the punishment for removing the helmet of Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph and slamming him on the head with it
Another appeals officer appointed jointly by the NFL and NFLPA, Derrick Brooks, reduced the suspension given to Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey. Pouncey’s penalty was lowered from a three-game ban to two games for the All-Pro center’s punches and kicks directed toward Garrett after Garrett’s acts toward Rudolph.
Pouncey’s fine of $35,096 was upheld.
On Wednesday, the NFL announced it was upholding the one-game suspension given Browns defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi for his shove of Rudolph. Thrash, however, rescinded the supplemental fine of $10,527 that had been assessed to Ogunjobi.
—Chris Adamski
