During a media session in the Pittsburgh Steelers' locker room the day after Thanksgiving, George Pickens wasn't in a particularly positive mood.
Instead of providing thoughtful and insightful answers to reporters' questions, the third-year wide receiver mocked former NFL running back Marshawn Lynch at Super Bowl XLIX media day in 2015. I told you about the moment when it became a hot topic.
When reporters asked the 23-year-old Pickens, he repeatedly replied, “I'm just here, so I can't be fined.”
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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens stands on the sideline before a preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on August 11, 2023 in Tampa, Florida. (Kevin Savitas/Getty Images)
One of the questions directed at Pickens was whether the receiver had heard from the NFL about possible punishment for his involvement in a scuffle at the end of last week's game in which the Steelers lost 24-19 to the Cleveland Browns. I was concentrating on that point.
“I'm just here to avoid being fined,” he repeated.
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On the final play of the game, Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson 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.
Cameras did not capture the beginning of what appeared to be a skirmish, but a quick pan showed 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.
George Pickens of the Pittsburgh Steelers watches from the sideline during a game against the Tennessee Titans at Acrizier Stadium in Pittsburgh on November 2, 2023. (Cooper Neal/Getty Images)
Immediately after the Steelers' surprising loss inside the Browns' snow-covered stadium, Pickens placed the blame on the game's weather conditions. “Conditions played a huge role in today's game. I don't think the Cleveland Browns are a good team at all.” he told reporters. “I think the conditions saved them today.”
“The snow, the conditions were very bad,” he continued. “I think QBs are blind sometimes, and when you're in that situation on the opponent's home field, it kind of gives them an advantage.”
In the second half of the game, snow started to accumulate. Weather conditions were something both teams had to deal with, but Pickens claimed the Steelers fell to 8-3 because of the snow and wind.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens points at a Cincinnati Bengals defender during a game at Acresure Stadium in Pittsburgh on December 23, 2023. (Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Friday's exchange wasn't the first time this season that Pickens has shown a clear reluctance to interact with the media.
In October, Pickens came under intense scrutiny after wearing eye black during a game that featured profanity. The black bands of eyes that stretched under his eyes said, “Open any time.”
NFL policy prohibits players from writing messages on their eyelids during games, but it appears this rule was not on Pickens' mind. “(Rules) I’ve never seen before.” he said When asked if he was aware of the league's policy regarding eye black. “Have you seen it before?”
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The reporter then mentioned the fine that Steelers defensive lineman Cam Heyward had to pay in 2015 when he had his father's nickname written on his black eye. Hayward's father, Craig, played in the NFL from 1988 to 1998 and was nicknamed “Ironhead.”
Pickens shrugged when the topic of teammate fines came up, saying, “Years ago, when I wasn't in the league? So, no.”
The Steelers will look to solidify their spot at the top of the AFC North when they take on the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.
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