NFL slaps Steelers WR George Pickens with a hefty fine for ‘Unsportsmanlike Conduct’ during Week 13 Bengals game
George Pickens must learn quickly, or the NFL will keep fining him $20K for unsportsmanlike conduct.
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George Pickens (Image via ESPN)
George Pickens receives a hefty fine, days before the Pittsburgh Steelers welcome the Cleveland Browns for a crucial AFC North fixture. According to reports, the NFL fined Pickens for a violent gesture and unsportsmanlike conduct.
During the divisional games against the Cincinnati Bengals in week 13, Pickens saw very little of the ball, which increased his frustration. Quarterback Russell Wilson targeted him just six times in the game, from which he caught just three passes but covered 74 yards (24.667 yards per catch) and scored 1 touchdown.
After crossing the end zone, the 23-year-old made a gesture at the Bengals fans. Not only that, right before the score, he dropped the ball on a Bengals defender to taunt the team. The referees let him go that day, and the Steelers hung on to win 44-38.
Almost five days later, on Saturday, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero shared on X that the NFL Committee slapped Steelers wideout George Pickens with $20,462 for two unsportsmanlike conduct violations, including the (gun-like) gesture.
The NFL fined #Steelers WR George Pickens $20,462 for two unsportsmanlike conduct violations — including his finger gun towards the stands after a 46-yard catch last week. pic.twitter.com/rINarLrG9m
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 7, 2024
Mike Tomlin’s words had little effect on George Pickens’ attitude
Pickens loves being the center of attention, and when it deviates away from him, the Georgia graduate tends to lose his cool. The Bengals game was just another morsel on Pickens’ list of unruly incidents.
Even though coaches and the Steelers’ front office have tried to control Pickens’ actions, he doesn’t appear to have learned much. Following the Bengals game, head coach Mike Tomlin revealed he spoke with Pickens.
He’s just got to grow up, man. It’s an emotional game. These divisional games are big. He’s got a target on his back because his George. He understands that but his gotta grow up.
Mike Tomlin said
Offensive lineman Broderick Jones tries his best to keep Pickens in check during the games. He was seen speaking with his young receiver every chance he had.
He’s such an emotional guy, you just gotta let him know it’s next play. You did that. It’s over with. Next play. Go make another play. But just be smart. No dumb sh**.
Broderick Jones said via Steelers Now.com
Jones might need to keep track of Pickens during the reverse fixture against the Cleveland Browns. Two weeks ago, these two rivals met in snowy Columbus, and things got heated between Pickens and Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II toward the end. The Browns upset the Steelers, but the chatter has continued, reigniting the rivalry.
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Ishan Misra
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