PITTSBURGH (AP) Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph is
denying he used a racial slur before his confrontation with
suspended Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett.

ESPN, using anonymous sources, reported Thursday that Garrett told
the NFL that Rudolph used a slur just before a brawl between the
two teams last week that included Garrett ripping off Rudolph’s
helmet and then hitting the quarterback in the head with it. The
NFL suspended Garrett indefinitely. He appealed the decision on
Wednesday. The matter remains under review.

Steelers spokesman Burt Lauten said Rudolph ”vehemently denies”
the report. Rudolph, who has not yet been disciplined for his role
in the fight, said on Wednesday that there was ”no acceptable
excuse” for his behavior during the fight.

Cleveland coach Freddie Kitchens said he supports Garrett ”in
every way possible” but did not comment when asked if Garrett told
Kitchens about the slur in the aftermath of the fight.