Cleveland Browns running back Myles Garrett (95) rushes the passer as Denver Broncos offensive tackle Garrett Bolles (72) defends during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, in Denver.
Cleveland Browns running back Myles Garrett leaves the field after an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in Cleveland.
Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett answers a question after the NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023, in Cleveland.
Cleveland Browns running back Myles Garrett (95) rushes the passer as Denver Broncos offensive tackle Garrett Bolles (72) defends during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023, in Denver.
Cleveland Browns star quarterback Myles Garrett has been fined $25,000 by the NFL for “public criticism of a product” after he made pointed comments after last week’s game against Jacksonville. .
A person who spoke on condition of anonymity said Garrett was notified Saturday that he would be fined and that the league had not issued fines to players this week.
Garrett, furious that the Jags weren’t punished for backing him, called the officiating a travesty after Cleveland won 31-27 and said it’s time the officials were held to a higher standard.
“Somebody needs to be held accountable for the plays or calls they didn’t make,” he said. “
Just like we make all our pieces, we have to look at them under a microscope.
“Garrett was frustrated by the lack of penalties against offensive linemen as he blocked them.
He hung on to 13 sacks over three weeks and believed the officials had not treated him unfairly.
“I’ve been focusing a lot the last few weeks and the other runners have been doing the same,” Garrett said after Friday’s practice.
“I can only speak for myself, but if you’re sick of the way they’re treated, you’ll know something’s wrong.”
T. J. Pittsburgh’s Watt, another elite passer in the league, recently made similar remarks to Garrett.
On Friday, Garrett said he doesn’t regret his outburst.”Absolutely not,” he said, adding that he didn’t fear any backlash. “
I’m not hearing anything right now, so it can’t get any worse,” the four-time Pro Bowler said.
“But I hope it will be positive. I’m not trying to offend anyone. “
I hope they do their best work.”Browns coach Kevin Stefanski had no problem letting the dominant Garrett speak his mind. “
We’re not the thought police,” he said. “Our friends can express their opinions. “
I remind the officials that every game so they know the team will do anything to slow (No.) 95 down.
That’s what they say in the building.advertisementadvertisement”If there are special restrictions, we’ll wait for you to call us.”
The Browns (8-5), looking to advance to the playoffs for the second time since 2002, will face the Chicago Bears (5-8) on the 2nd.
When the teams last played in 2021, Garrett had a career-high 4 1/2 sacks and the Browns sacked quarterback Justin Fields nine times en route to a 26-6 victory.___AP NFL:
