Pickens in Hot Water
He got a target on his back because he’s George, but he’s got to grow up… – Mike Tomlin
Pittsburgh Steelers star wide receiver George Pickens made NFL news for all the wrong reasons over the weekend when the Steelers’ coaches, and specifically head coach Mike Tomlin, had a stern message for the three-year veteran after Pickens was flagged for multiple penalties against the Bengals.
Immaturity Rears Its Head
George Pickens’ stats will reveal he is the Steelers top receiver, compiling 55 receptions, 850 yards, and three touchdowns. Pickens has displayed the athleticism and alacrity the team expected when he was drafted as a second-round NFL draft pick out of Georgia in 2022.
GREAT coaching moment from Mike Tomlin. Reassures Pickens on BS Bengals pick six. Pickens keeps cool. And scores touchdown. You LOVE to see it. pic.twitter.com/Wwa8XStra3
— Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) December 1, 2024
But he’s been quickly building a reputation for soul-crushing nonsense penalties that put his team at a disadvantage, and it reached a fever pitch on Sunday when he was flagged in the first half for taunting and then incurred another unsportsmanlike conduct penalty for a first-down celebration in the third quarter in which he used a finger pistol gesture to the crowd.
After a dozen NFL games, the Steelers are one game in front of the Baltimore Ravens for first place in the AFC North. But with three divisional games left and two others battling the mettle of the league in Philadelphia and Kansas City, the Pittsburgh Steelers schedule is brutal, and there is no room for unnecessary penalties.
Coach Mike Minces No Words
Mike Tomlin’s career is unlike any other head coach in the NFL. He began his tenure with the Steelers in 2007 and has led the Steelers to 11 playoff appearances, seven division titles, three AFC Championship Games, two Super Bowl appearances, and a Super Bowl title in 2008. But what’s even more remarkable is that Tomlin has never had a losing record in those 18 seasons!
Therefore, when Coach Mike speaks, you better damn well listen.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin says WR George Pickens is a target but offers rare criticism for the two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties against the Bengals: He’s got to grow up in a hurry. pic.twitter.com/zD36GbcZ2t
— Kevin Gorman (@KevinGormanPGH) December 1, 2024
“He’s just got to grow up, man,” Tomlin said after the Steelers’ 44-38 win over the Bengals on Sunday. “This emotional game, man, these divisional games are big. He got a target on his back because he’s George; he understands that, but he’s got to grow up. He’s got to grow up in a hurry.”
After the game, Pickens insisted the refs got it wrong with his second penalty, saying he was pointing to the crowd, signifying a first down.
I could watch George Pickens interviews all day.
This dude doesn’t give a single fuck.#Pittsburgh #Steelers #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/cJ85bUXt53
— Honest Abe (@RealAbester) December 1, 2024
“Yeah, they said they got the gesture wrong, you know what I mean? Thought it was something else,” Pickens said. “You can’t hurt the team. I never intend to hurt the team, but he (the official) thought the gesture was different.”
“I was doing first down,” he added.
George Pickens is the gift that keeps on giving
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) December 1, 2024
Pickens’ antics have gotten so prevalent they’ve even attracted the attention of opposing teams.
Bengals cornerback Mike Hilton made no bones about the fact his team was trying to egg him on, and it worked.
“Everybody sees it on film,” Hilton said. “If he’s not getting the ball or DBs are being physical with him, he gets in his own head.”
Since the beginning of last season, Pickens has incurred six fines totaling $70,785, and Sunday’s infractions could add to that total. If the 23-year-old doesn’t grow up in a hurry, he could be part of Pittsburgh’s past rather than their future.
MIKE TOMLIN AND NAJEE HARRIS CELEBRATING TODAY’s WIN IN THE LOCKER ROOM.
😭😭😭
George Pickens at the end 💀
(h/t @matthewluciow92)
pic.twitter.com/SI4V8l1A8X— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) December 1, 2024
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