Rudolph: Garrett's racial-slur allegation is 'bold-faced lie'
In his first interview since being reinstated from an indefinite suspension, Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett continued to insist his actions during a Thursday night brawl in November were prompted by Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph using a racial slur toward him.
"He called me the N-word. He called me a 'stupid N-word,'" Garrett said to ESPN's Mina Kimes.
Minutes after the full interview aired Saturday morning, Rudolph took to Twitter to dispute the claim.
1000% False.
- Mason Rudolph (@Rudolph2Mason) February 15, 2020
Bold-Faced Lie.
I did not, have not, and would not utter a racial-slur.
This is a disgusting and reckless attempt to assassinate my character. https://t.co/mZcEcC0tCl
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin also issued a statement in defense of his quarterback.
"I support Mason Rudolph, not only because I know him, but also because I was on that field immediately following the altercation with Myles Garrett, and subsequently after the game," Tomlin said.
"I interacted with a lot of people in the Cleveland Browns organization - players and coaches," he continued. "If Mason said what Myles claimed, it would have come out during the many interactions I had with those in the Browns organization. In my conversations, I had a lot of expressions of sorrow for what transpired. I received no indication of anything racial or anything of that nature in those interactions."
Rudolph's representation said Garrett is "now exposed to legal liability" due to his comments.
- Younger & Associates/QB Limited (@YoungerAssoc) February 15, 2020
Garrett's full interview can be seen below.
Myles Garrett, the exclusive interview with @minakimes pic.twitter.com/FLPbG6Rwon
- Outside The Lines (@OTLonESPN) February 15, 2020
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