NFL fines Steelers QB Mason Rudolph $50K US for role in brawl
32 others also fined while Cleveland D-lineman Myles Garrett serves suspension
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph didn't escape the brawl with Cleveland unpunished.
Rudolph avoided suspension for his actions — he tried to pull off Garrett's helmet and charged him — but was one 33 players fined by the league for their involvement. The league penalized 29 players $3,507 apiece for "entering the fight area."
In all, the league handed out more than $700,000 for discipline stemming from the ugly final seconds of Cleveland's 21-7 win over Pittsburgh last week. There was another $77,206 assessed for personal fouls earlier in the game.
Rudolph wrestled with Garrett and unsuccessfully tried to yank off the Pro Bowler's helmet before running after him and then being struck on the top of the head.
WATCH | Myles Garrett takes swing with helmet:
Earlier this week, Rudolph said there was "no acceptable excuse," for his behaviour. He has denied using the racial slur, and the league has found no evidence such a slur was used.
The league also fined the Steelers and Browns $250,000 apiece. The AFC North rivals play again Dec. 1 in Pittsburgh.
The league said Garrett must meet with commissioner Roger Goodell's office before he can be reinstated.
Steelers centre Maurkice Pouncey was suspended three games and fined $35,096 for punching and kicking Garrett. Appeals officer Derrick Brooks reduced Pouncey's ban to two, but he'll miss next Sunday's game against the Steelers.
Browns defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi was suspended for Sunday's game against Miami for shoving Rudolph to the ground. Thrash upheld Ogunjobi's suspension but rescinded his $10,527 fine.