Report – Browns’ Myles Garrett fined $25K for criticizing officials،
CLEVELAND – Cleveland Browns star defensive end Myles Garrett was fined $25,000 by the NFL for “public criticism of officiating” after making pointed remarks after the NFL game. last week against Jacksonville, a person familiar with the punishment told The Associated Press.
Garrett was informed of the fine on Saturday, according to the person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the league did not make player fines public this week.
Angered that the Jags were not penalized for holding him, Garrett called the officiating a travesty after Cleveland's 31-27 victory and said it was time for officials to be held to higher standards.
“Someone has to hold them accountable for the plays or calls they don’t make,” he said. “And they need to be under the same type of microscope as we are for each piece.”
Garrett's frustration has grown over what he feels is a lack of penalties against offensive linemen blocking him. He's been stuck on 13 sacks for three weeks and feels officials haven't treated him fairly.
“It was something that had been stoked over the last couple of weeks, and other riders were dealing with the same thing as well,” Garrett said after Friday’s practice. “I can only speak for myself, but once you get tired of the way they are treated, then you know something is wrong.”
Pittsburgh's TJ Watt, another elite passer in the league, recently made comments similar to Garrett's.
On Friday, Garrett said he doesn't regret his outburst.
“Absolutely not,” he said, adding that he did not fear any negative reactions.
“Right now I'm not getting any calls, so it can't get any worse than that,” the four-time Pro Bowler said. “But I hope it has a positive effect. I'm not trying to offend anyone. I just want them to do their job the best they can.”
Browns coach Kevin Stefanski had no problem with the dominant Garrett speaking his mind.
“We are not the thought police,” he said. “Our guys can express their opinions. I remind the officials of that every game. Just so they know that teams are going to do everything in their power to slow down [No.] 95. This is what they talk about in their building.
“So when he’s clearly restricted, we expect him to be called.”
The Browns (8-5), who are trying to make the playoffs for only the second time since 2002, will host the Chicago Bears (5-8) on Sunday. The last time the teams played, in 2021, Garrett recorded a career-high 4.5 sacks and the Browns sacked quarterback Justin Fields nine times in a 26-6 victory.
