The latest chapter in the Myles Garrett-Mason Rudolph saga has now come to racism.

In a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Josina Anderson, the former Texas A&M pass rusher and Cleveland Browns player Garrett has alleged in an appeal that Rudolph, the Pittsburgh Steelers QB, called him a racial slur prior to last week’s brawl on Thursday Night Football, an accusation the Steelers’ QB strongly denies.

“Mason vehemently denies the report of being accused of using a racial slur during the incident Thursday night in Cleveland,” Steelers spokesman Burt Lauten said in a statement. “He will not discuss this accusation any further and his focus remains on preparation for Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals.”

On Wednesday, Rudolph told reporters he didn’t say anything to provoke Garrett or escalate the situation.

These comments stem from an incident in the closing seconds of the Browns’ 21-7 victory over the rival Steelers when Garrett wrestled Rudolph to the ground. Rudolph unsuccessfully tried to rip off Garrett’s helmet before the two got to their feet. Then Garrett yanked off Rudolph’s helmet, and swung it wildly and connected with the top of the QB’s head. Rudolph avoided injury and was not suspended despite his attempt to grab Garrett’s helmet or charging at him.

Garrett on Wednesday met with an appeals officer in New York in hopes of getting a reduction to an indefinite NFL suspension. Garrett was banned last week for the rest of the regular season and playoffs. The appeals officer will either lessen the penalty or put a definitive number of games on it.

The former No. 1 overall draft pick spent roughly two hours in the league’s offices before he left with his representatives. He did not speak to the media.

Rudolph’s attorney, Timothy M. Younger, also responded to this claim.

“The malicious use of this wild and unfounded allegation is an assault on Mason’s integrity which is far worse than the physical assault witnessed on Thursday,” Younger said. “This is reckless and shameful. We will have no further comment.”

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