The NFL upheld the indefinite suspension for Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett for his part in the fight last Thursday. Garrett bludgeoned Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph on the head with his own helmet at the end of the game.

During his appeal, Garrett claimed Rudolph used a racial slur at Rudolph which prompted his reaction. The league heard his appeal and said after looking into Garrett’s allegation, found no evidence of it.

Steelers offensive tackle Alejandro Villanueva didn’t hold back when talking about what Garrett claimed as reported in an article on The Athletic.

“I think using any kind of racial slurs has no place in our country whatsoever,” Villanueva said. “But I think fabricating a story where somebody used a racial slur is a lot more damaging to our society because it undermines all the efforts that we are collectively trying to be sensitive about using this word and making sure it has no place.”

Villanueva added, “If this is a Hail Mary, then he’s damaging a reputation for life.”

The reality is this issue will fade off into the ether and will be forgotten for Garrett. Nevertheless, the NFL stood by their guns and should be applauded for affirming Garrett’s punishment.