Mason Rudolph takes responsibility for role in Myles Garrett fight

"I should have done a better job of keeping my cool in that situation", Rudolph said.

Quarterback Mason Rudolph #2 of the Pittsburgh Steelers fights with defensive end Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns during the second half at FirstEnergy Stadium on November 14, 2019 in Cleveland, Ohio. Great respect for his ability as a player. "I know if Myles could go back he would handle this situation differently".

"For my involvement last week, there's no acceptable excuse. I got to do a better job of keeping my composure in those situations". Rudolph avoided injury and was not suspended despite trying to pull off Garrett's helmet and charging at him. It resulted in an indefinite suspension for Garrett, a three-game ban for Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey and a one-game suspension for Browns defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi. "I think all of us involved at the game particularly at this level want to safeguard and protect the game, and its integrity, and in that instance it was compromised, obviously with an unfortunate incident", Tomlin said. I fell short of that expectation last Thursday night.

"I took a late shot and didn't agree with the way, you know, he took me to the ground". When asked if that action was contrary to getting the defensive end off him, Rudolph deferred to his statement. "I was just trying to get him off of me", Rudolph said. Rudolph claims he said nothing.

National Football League fans on social media were outraged that Rudolph was without punishment for a fight that he arguably started after being tackled on a throw late in Thursday's game.

"Definitely didn't say anything (to Garrett)", Rudolph said.

"It was in my view and I think our football people something that had to be dealt with very quickly and very firmly to make it clear to the players that it's not acceptable, and to the clubs", Goodell told the Pre-Flight Playbook in his first public comments on the incident.

"I'm sure whatever the league hands out, I'm going to comply with that, " he said.

Many will interpret that as an admission of guilt from Rudolph, and that is fine.