CLEVELAND — Northeast Ohio native and UFC Heavyweight Champion took to Twitter Friday night to defend his friend, Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, after he was suspended indefinitely by the NFL—and he’s not the only one.
Garrett received the indefinite suspension following a brawl at the end of the Browns game against the Steelers Thursday night. Garrett got into a heated scuffle with Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph in the last eight seconds of the game, swinging Rudolph's helmet at him which hit him in the head.
RELATED: Defensive end Myles Garrett suspended indefinitely without pay following brawl
While Rudolph did not receive a suspension, Garrett was suspended indefinitely, Browns defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi was suspended for one game and Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey was suspended for three games. Rudolph is expected to receive a fine for his involvement.
Miocic, feeling like the punishments given out weren’t fair, took to Twitter to defend his friend and call out the league’s decision.
“Mason Rudolph lit the match, started the fire, fanned the flames = Not Suspended. MG took ownership of his actions. The person who started it will get no punishment while the other three will? C’mon,” Miocic tweeted in agreement to entertainer Ice Cube calling for Rudolph's suspension.
Mason Rudolph lit the match, started the fire, fanned the flames = Not Suspended. MG took ownership of his actions. The person who started it will get no punishment while the other three will? C’mon. #SM #Browns” https://t.co/ZTPhsZgeh0
— Stipe Miocic (@stipemiocic) November 16, 2019
Miocic and Garrett developed a friendship before the start of this season, training together and having sparring sessions back in July.
Garrett has received an outpouring of support from friends, fans and teammates since receiving his suspension, including linebacker Mack Wilson and wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge.
1 game?? 😳😳 Free Myles until it’s backwards. 🙏🏾 https://t.co/IytyKch34l
— Mack Wilson (@5mackwilson1) November 16, 2019
Right https://t.co/JZHJCXZX6y
— KhaDarel Hodge (@KhaDarel_4) November 16, 2019
Countless fans have taken to Twitter using the hashtag #FreeMylesGarrett to show support to the defensive end.
Ya know what. I’m going to say it....... Right now..... #FreeMylesGarrett pic.twitter.com/sSPYqJ1ijr
— Brownie Vision (@BrownieVision) November 15, 2019
Garrett will appeal his indefinite suspension, looking to have it either reduced and/or defined specifically. The NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement does not allow for indefinite suspensions for on-field acts, according to NFL’s Ian Rapoport.
The league is expected to hear Garrett’s appeal early this week, a person familiar with the timeline told The Associated Press on Sunday.
Whatever happens following the appeal, Garrett has the support of many fans, his friends and his team who will look forward to having him back on the field, whenever that may be.
Camryn Justice is a digital content producer at News 5 Cleveland. Follow her on Twitter @camijustice.
