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Football is a dangerous sport and every player is aware there’s a chance some serious punishment can be inflicted upon them whenever they step onto the field.
More often than not, the punishment in question comes in the form of a brutal hit, but during the most recent installment of Thursday Night Football, Myles Garrett introduced a new risk when he ripped off Mason Rudolph’s helmet and swung it at the quarterback after tempers flared with the clock winding down in the fourth quarter.
Myles Garrett swings helmet then gets stomped on by the Steelers wow https://t.co/kDl8ThEe67
— Gifdsports (@gifdsports) November 15, 2019
It was one of the most shocking plays that I’ve ever seen on a football field, and while players have engaged in some pretty heated altercations before, this is a truly unprecedented incident that could have resulted in serious injury if Garrett had managed to make solid contact with Rudolph’s unprotected cranium.
Twitter absolutely erupted after the fracas and a number of current and former players weighed in—including Patrick Mahomes and J.J. Watt, who succinctly summed things up when they expressed their disbelief.
Bro i can’t even believe that just happen.
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) November 15, 2019
That. Is. Insanity. Wow.
— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) November 15, 2019
Todd Gurley also spoke out with a reaction that was a bit more lighthearted than the rest of the ones I’ve come across.
Damn this fight taking away from Melo shine 🤦🏾♂️
— Todd Gurley II (@TG3II) November 15, 2019
There’s no doubt Garrett will be suspended as a result of the fight, and while it’s unclear how long he’ll be banished, Reggie Bush gave a slightly hyperbolic estimate.
In all my life of football that might have been the craziest thing I have seen on a football field! They about to suspend Myles Garrett for 30 years! People getting stomped out, that was a hood fight! 🤦🏾♂️ Hate to see that in our game that’s not what pro football is about!
— Reggie Bush (@ReggieBush) November 15, 2019
James Harrison also chimed in and implied Garrett would be arrested over the incident if it had happened anywhere else.
That’s assault at the least… 6 months in jail on the street.. now add the weapon and that’s at least a year right?!
— James Harrison (@jharrison9292) November 15, 2019
Deion Sanders, on the other hand, placed some of the blame of Rudolph for sparking the fight.
Mason Rudolph should be significantly fined as well for trying to rip @MylesLGarrett helmet off his head which ignited the retaliation. He's not without fault in the unfortunate matter. This is a physical,emotional game played by men. Let's not forget that. @nflnetwork #Truth
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) November 15, 2019
Here’s what some other players had to say.
Myles Garrett done for the year
— Mike Wallace (@Wallace17_daKid) November 15, 2019
I have no idea what I just saw on TNF w/ @MylesLGarrett ? How in the world can u be so unaware? How can u allow ur emotions to go unchecked & swing a helmet at another player’s head (who’s helmet u tore off to hit him with)? Im physically upset right now & I was watching on TV!
— Kurt Warner (@kurt13warner) November 15, 2019
Just getting out of our OT thriller on ESPN..
Hearing Myles Garrett tried to kill a guy tonight? pic.twitter.com/WACl3uk9NV
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) November 15, 2019
He’s done for the rest of the year
— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) November 15, 2019
Myles Garrett should not be allowed to play another snap this season
— Kyle Juszczyk (@JuiceCheck44) November 15, 2019
It’s going to be very interesting to watch how things play out in the coming days.