Banned Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett apologises to Mason Rudolph for 'terrible mistake'

Cleveland Browns star Myles Garrett has apologised for his actions during Thursday night's win over the Pittsburgh Steelers that have led to an indefinite ban, calling them "selfish and unacceptable".

Defensive end Garrett was involved in an ugly late confrontation with Mason Rudolph at FirstEnergy Stadium, grappling with the Steelers quarterback before removing Rudolph's own helmet and striking him on the head with it.

That incident sparked a melee, with Pittsburgh center Maurkice Pouncey throwing punches and attempting to kick Garrett before Rudolph was shoved to the ground by Browns defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi.

The NFL reacted strongly to those shocking scenes on Friday, handing Garrett an undisclosed fine and indefinite suspension which means he will miss at least the remainder of the 2019 regular season and post-season.

Pouncey was handed a three-game ban, Ogunjobi will miss one match and both organisations were fined $250,000.

After those punishments were confirmed, Garrett - who must meet with the commissioner's office prior to a decision on his reinstatement - released a statement via the Browns to apologise for his behaviour.

"Last night, I made a terrible mistake. I lost my cool and what I did was selfish and unacceptable," he said.

"I know that we are all responsible for our actions and I can only prove my true character through my actions moving forward.

"I want to apologize to Mason Rudolph, my teammates, our entire organization, our fans and to the NFL.

"I know I have to be accountable for what happened, learn from my mistake and I fully intend to do so."

Speaking to reporters, Browns head coach Freddie Kitchens said of Garrett, the no1 pick in the 2017 NFL draft: "He understands the magnitude of what occurred last night. He's very remorseful."