If Garrett would have immediately come out and said that Rudolph used a racial slur then this entire incident would have been seen in a different light. Investigations would have begun, the penalty might not have been so swift if there were extenuating circumstances.

And, if Garrett would have not apologized and claimed to take responsibility. If he would have acted like a person who had been wronged. All those things would have made Garrett more believable. But he didnt, not when he immediately was interviewed. Not in follow up interviews.