George Pickens’ Costly Penalties Overshadow Steelers’ Win Over Bengals
CINCINNATI — The Pittsburgh Steelers may have walked away with a thrilling 44-38 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, but the spotlight wasn’t just on the scoreboard. Third-year wide receiver George Pickens found himself at the center of controversy after drawing two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties that left head coach Mike Tomlin visibly frustrated.
“He’s just got to grow up, man,” Tomlin said bluntly after the game. “This is an 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.”
Pickens, who led the Steelers with 74 receiving yards on three catches, including a 17-yard touchdown, also made headlines for his antics. After his first-quarter touchdown, he punted the ball into the stands—a celebration that could result in a fine from the NFL. But that wasn’t the only time Pickens’ emotions got the better of him.
Two Costly Penalties
Pickens’ first unsportsmanlike conduct penalty came early in the game when he threw the ball down at a group of Bengals defenders following a 21-yard reception. While the Steelers retained the first down, the penalty reduced the gain to just six yards. Later, in the third quarter, Pickens was flagged again after appearing to make a gun-like gesture following a 36-yard catch. The penalty pushed the Steelers back to the 28-yard line instead of the 13, and the drive ended with kicker Chris Boswell having his field goal attempt blocked—his first-ever miss at Paul Brown Stadium.
After the game, Pickens defended his actions, claiming the officials misinterpreted his gesture. “They said they got the gesture wrong,” Pickens explained. “You know what I mean? Thought it was something else. You can’t hurt the team. I never intended to hurt the team, but he just thought the gesture was different. … I was doing the first down, he stated he thought [it was] something else.”
Referee Shawn Hochuli clarified that Pickens wasn’t disqualified despite the two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties because the second act wasn’t directed at an opponent. “The rule of two unsportsmanlike conduct fouls for disqualification really applies to taunting-type acts directed towards an opponent,” Hochuli said in a pool report. “The first of those fouls was of that nature … On the second, however, it was not directed at an opponent and so it’s not considered a taunt that would apply towards disqualification.”
Pickens’ History of Controversy
This isn’t the first time Pickens has found himself in hot water. Earlier this season, he was fined for writing an explicit message on his eye black during a game against the Dallas Cowboys. In the same game, he was fined again for pulling Cowboys defensive back Jourdan Lewis down by the facemask after the final play. Last season, Pickens was ejected during a game against the Bengals for a late hit on receiver Tyler Boyd during an onside kick attempt.
Sunday’s game also saw Pickens get tangled up with Bengals defensive back Cam Taylor-Britt on the first series. Taylor-Britt appeared to grab Pickens’ helmet and force him to the ground, but Hochuli ruled it “incidental contact.” The play resulted in an interception returned for a touchdown while Pickens sat on the field gesturing for a penalty that never came.
“Plays happen,” Pickens said. “Guys hold me. I’m going to get held. I’m one of the top receivers, so I’m going to get held. You just got to make plays when it happens.”
Teammates and Coaches Weigh In
Pickens’ teammates and coaches are rallying around him, but they’re also urging him to rein in his emotions. Offensive lineman Broderick Jones, who played with Pickens at Georgia, was seen talking to him on the field after the penalties. “I don’t try and give him a whole speech or whatnot, just a couple words of encouragement or just be smart,” Jones said. “‘Everybody knows you’re a playmaker, we just got to stop the stupid things.’ That’s with me, too, as well. He talks to me, as well, so I try and do the same thing for him.”
Quarterback Russell Wilson also spoke with Pickens during the game, reminding him to stay composed. “It’s passion, and so sometimes that takes over,” Wilson said. “I just think that you just got to understand that when you’re one of the best receivers in the world, everybody’s going to have their eyes on you. … He’s learning it as we go. He’s got to be smarter, too, though, and he’s going to do that.”
Key Takeaways
- George Pickens led the Steelers with 74 receiving yards and a touchdown but drew two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties.
- Head coach Mike Tomlin called on Pickens to “grow up in a hurry.”
- Pickens has a history of controversial behavior, including fines and ejections in previous games.
- Teammates and coaches are working to help Pickens channel his emotions more effectively.
While Pickens’ talent is undeniable, his ability to keep his emotions in check will be critical as the Steelers push for a playoff spot. For now, the young receiver remains a polarizing figure—both for his highlight-reel plays and his on-field antics.
Originally Written by: Brooke Pryor
