Myles Garrett’s suspension defense revolves around a far less famous NFL helmet swing.
According to ESPN.com, the Browns defensive end and the NFLPA argued to the league that the Texans’ Antonio Smith received the harshest helmet-attack punishment in NFL history — two preseason games and one regular season game — for ripping off the helmet of Dolphins lineman Richie Incognito and swinging it wildly at him.
Garrett was suspended indefinitely on Friday, at least the final six regular season games and 2019 postseason, after he was responsible for a similar attack on Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph. On top of the length of games, the point was made that Smith only missed out on one game check.
Garrett’s attack received immediate national attention on Thursday night, when the melee exploded with eight seconds left in Cleveland’s 21-7 victory over Pittsburgh.
He has to be reinstated by commissioner Roger Goodell before being allowed back in the league. The 23-year-old also argued that indefinite suspensions are not allowed by the collective bargaining agreement, according to the report.
Garrett’s appeal started at 9:30 a.m. at the NFL’s Manhattan offices and concluded approximately two hours later.
