A nasty contest between the arch rival Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers got really ugly with just 8 seconds left in a game Cleveland won handily 21-7.
With 8 seconds left in the game Myles Garrett ripped off the helmet of Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph and swung it at him, using it as a weapon.
He was quickly tackled by Steelers offensive lineman, including Maurkice Pouncey, who threw multiple punches at Garrett. It took a while to break up the skirmish, with both sides swarming the field as officials decided what to do with the situation.
Here’s the full play. Myles Garrett hit Rudolph with his own helmet. Maurkice Pouncey (#53) threw punches and a kick. pic.twitter.com/kzJDd4Hj53
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) November 15, 2019
“One of the worst things I’ve ever seen on a professional sports field,” said TV announcer Joe Buck.
“This is barbaric is what this is,” Troy Aikman added.
Another look at Myles Garrett smashing his own helmet into Mason Rudolph’s head pic.twitter.com/Aq57iW5Ird
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) November 15, 2019
Baker Mayfield was asked about the situation after the game and repeatedly called it “inexcusable.”
“I didn’t see why it started but it’s inexcusable,” Mayfield told FOX analyst Erin Andrews. “I don’t care. Rivalry or not, we can’t do that. That’s kind of the history of what’s going on here lately, hurting yourself. It’s inexcusable.
“There’s nothing I can say in that moment to calm him down. The reality is he’s going to get suspended and that hurts our team.”
Baker’s first reaction after the fight on the field pic.twitter.com/CocB1gQH21
— 92.3 The Fan (@923TheFan) November 15, 2019
It was an ugly scene all around and will result in multiple suspensions. What’s worse is that the game was all but over, with the Browns up 21-7.
After a few meaningless snaps, both teams retreated to the locker rooms.
Garrett, who had a goal of winning Defensive Player of the Year, will likely be suspended for the rest of the season.
Garrett has 10 sacks this season, which is 1.5 off the NFL-lead.
The team meet again in 17 days and it will be contentious, as it always is, but now with even some extra juice.