Myles Garrett alleges Mason Rudolph directed a racial slur at him just before last week's brawl.

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

Rudolph told reporters on Wednesday he didn't say anything to provoke Garrett or escalate the situation.

Garrett made the allegation as part of his initial comments during the appeal hearing in New York.

Garrett was suspended indefinitely for ripping off and swinging Rudolph's helmet and then hitting the quarterback in the head with it.

According to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network, the NFL looked into the allegation and found no evidence to support those claims.