Steelers wide receiver George Pickens has been at the center of controversy multiple times in less than three full seasons in the NFL.
Immediately after the Pittsburgh Steelers' win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, head coach Mike Tomlin made it clear that Pickens needed to “grow fast.”
Pickens led the Steelers with three catches for 75 yards and a touchdown in the first quarter against the Bengals. However, Tomlin was dissatisfied with the penalty Pickens committed.
The receiver was given two penalties for unsportsmanlike conduct during the game. Pittsburgh was penalized nine times for 103 yards. Mr. Tomlin declined Tuesday to provide details about how he dealt with Mr. Pickens afterward.
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Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin speaks with George Pickens, 14, during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium on November 28, 2022 in Indianapolis. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
At one point while speaking to reporters Tuesday, Tomlin was asked if Pickens' repeated penalties were a cause for concern.
“If it is, or if it isn’t, I’m not necessarily going to tell you, to be honest.” Tomlin answered.
Steelers' George Pickens channels Marshawn Lynch's viral interview: 'I'm just here so I don't get fined'
Tomlin later clarified that he had no intention of making his personal treatment of Pickens public.
“I'm not going to go into detail about what's going on behind the scenes in terms of his growth and development,” Tomlin said. “That's my style and I'm going to be consistent with this. Being transparent with you guys doesn't necessarily help or accelerate the growth process. That's my agenda. and not necessarily feed the beast.”
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin shoots Steelers wide receiver George after a long catch against the Washington Commanders on November 10, 2024 at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. – Congratulated Pickens (14). (Jeff Burke-Imagine image)
Pickens has made headlines multiple times this year. While his on-field issues in Week 13 were his latest, Pickens' interaction with reporters the day after Thanksgiving raised some eyebrows.
During his conversation with reporters, Pickens shared a moment from 2015 Super Bowl Media Day that made headlines for former NFL running back Marshawn Lynch.
George Pickens of the Pittsburgh Steelers stands on the sideline during the national anthem before an NFL preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on August 11, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Kevin Savitas/Getty Images)
When reporters asked the 23-year-old Pickens, he repeatedly replied, “I'm just here, so I can't be fined.”
One of the questions directed at Pickens was whether the receiver had heard from the NFL about possible punishment for his involvement in a brawl at the end of the Steelers' 24-19 loss to the Cleveland Browns in Week 12. I was concentrating on whether it was correct or not.
Steelers quarterback on the final play of the game Russell Wilson He threw a Hail Mary into the end zone. Pickens was in the passing area, but Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II guarded him, effectively taking the wide receiver out of the play.
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the camera missed the beginning what appeared to be a skirmishbut a quick pan appeared to show Pickens and Newsome tangled near the stands. Cameras then showed Pickens being restrained near his seat by two stadium security guards. One fan was seen grabbing Pickens' arm, leading to initial speculation that Pickens was involved with the fan.
Pickens has 55 catches for 850 yards in 12 games this season.
Fox News' Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.
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