Count Browns defensive tackle Sheldon Richardson among those who cannot believe Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph escaped suspension for his role in the Thursday night brawl. Richardson remains stunned that the QB got off without missing any time.
“Very surprised,’’ Richardson replied after Monday’s practice when asked his thoughts on Rudolph. “It’s on camera what (he’s) doing. There’s no hiding it no matter what he says in the media. It is what it is.”
Richardson was clear that he thought teammate Myles Garrett deserved a lengthy suspension for hitting Rudolph over the head with his own helmet. The stunning strike came with just seconds left in the Browns’ 21-7 win over the Steelers in FirstEnergy Stadium. But he doesn’t believe Rudolph should escape responsibility for his significant role in the action.
“If you’re going to suspend (Garrett) indefinitely, I don’t know, a game or two. A game [for Rudolph]?’’ said Richardson. “Make it sound like you just can’t be a quarterback and do as you please in this league. Have some type of consequences for your actions as well.”
Richardson also defended Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey, who got three games for attacking Garrett after the helmet strike.
“I don’t blame Pouncey for protecting his quarterback,” Richardson continued. “I’d go overboard for my guys, too. So nobody’s knocking him for that. That’s what football is. No matter how you try to hide it, it’s still going to be football.”
Garrett’s appeal hearing is scheduled for Wednesday.
