Report: Steelers' Mason Rudolph Fined $50K for Brawl with Browns' Myles Garrett

The NFL fined Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph $50,000 for his role in the altercation between the Steelers and Cleveland Browns in last week's Thursday Night Football matchup, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

Rapoport added that "other players will be and have been fined, including those who left the bench area."

The fight between the teams near the end of Cleveland's 21-7 win included Browns defensive end Myles Garrett ripping off Rudolph's helmet and hitting him in the head with it. Garrett was suspended indefinitely by the NFL with a minimum ban for the remainder of the regular season and postseason. It was upheld on appeal.

Steelers center Maurkice Pouncey was suspended three games for his role, which included punching and kicking Garrett in the helmet while Garrett was on the ground. Pouncey's suspension was reduced to two games upon appeal.

Finally, Browns defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi was suspended for one game for shoving Rudolph to the ground during the fight. That punishment was also upheld.

During his appeal, Garrett said Rudolph directed a racial slur at him, though the NFL "found no such evidence," via ESPN. Rudolph denied the accusation.

"Mason vehemently denies the report of being accused of using a racial slur during the incident Thursday night in Cleveland," team 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."

Garrett also expressed displeasure that his accusation was made public:

In a prepared statement Wednesday, Rudolph apologized for his role and explained his actions, per Nick Shook of NFL.com:

"The way I saw it, on the final play of the game, with the game in hand the way it was, we'd already lost two of our players to targeting penalties from the game. As I released the ball, I took a late shot. Did not agree with the way he took me to the ground and my natural reaction was to just get him off from on top of me.

"Again, I should have done a better job of handling that situation. I have no ill will towards Myles Garrett, great respect for his ability as a player, and I know if Myles could go back, he would handle the situation differently. As for my involvement last week, there's no acceptable excuse. The bottom line is I should have done a better job of keeping my composure in that situation. I fell short of what I believe it means to be a Pittsburgh Steeler and member of the NFL."

With appeals heard and fines levied, it appears the saga has come to a close—at least until the teams meet again Dec. 1 in Pittsburgh.