Steelers wide receiver George Pickens has been at the center of controversy multiple times in less than three full seasons the N.F.L.
Shortly after the Pittsburgh Steelers’ victory over the Cincinnati Bengals Sunday, head coach Mike Tomlin pointed out the apparent need for Pickens to “hurry up growing up.”
Pickens led the Steelers with three catches for 75 yards and a touchdown in the first quarter against the Bengals. However, Tomlin was not satisfied with the penalties imposed by Pickens.
The receiver received two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties in the game. Pittsburgh was charged with nine penalties for 103 yards. Tomlin declined to release more details Tuesday about how he has dealt with Pickens since then.
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Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin talks 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 during a call with reporters Tuesday, Tomlin was asked if Pickens’ repeated punishments were something to worry about.
“If it is or it isn’t, I wouldn’t necessarily tell you, to be completely honest with you,” Tomlin replied.
Tomlin then made it clear that he had no intention of making his private treatment of Pickens public.
“I’m not going to give you any details 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 very consistent with that. Being transparent with you doesn’t necessarily help or accelerate the growth process, and that’s my agenda, not necessarily feeding the beast.”
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin congratulates Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) after a long catch against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland, November 10, 2024. (Geoff Burke-Imagn images)
Pickens has made the news several times this year. While the on-field issues in Week 13 marked his latest incident, Pickens’ conversation with reporters the day after Thanksgiving raised a few eyebrows.
While talking to reporters, Pickens channeled former NFL running back Marshawn Lynch’s viral moment from the 2015 Super Bowl media day.
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, August 11, 2023, in Tampa, Florida. (Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
Pickens repeatedly replied, “I’m here alone, so I’m not getting fined,” as reporters asked questions of the 23-year-old.
One of the questions directed at Pickens was about whether the NFL receiver had heard about a possible punishment for his involvement in a scuffle at the end of a Week 12 game against the NFL. Cleveland Brownsthat the Steelers lost 24-19.
On the last play of the game, Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson threw a Hail Mary into the end zone. Pickens was near the pass, but Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II guarded him and effectively took the wide receiver out of the play.
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Cameras missed the beginning of what looked like a skirmishbut a quick pan appeared to show Pickens and Newsome getting tangled near the stands. The camera then showed Pickens being stopped by two members of stadium security near the seats. One fan even held Pickens’ arm, leading to initial speculation that the player was engaging with fans.
Pickens has 55 catches for 850 yards in 12 games this season.
Fox News’ Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.
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