Steelers WR George Pickens' Controversial Social Media Activity Highlights His Lack Of Maturity

The Pittsburgh Steelers have dealt with their share of, as some would call them, "diva receivers." Antonio Brown undoubtedly tops the list for all of his antics. Chase Claypool was another talented pass catcher in Pittsburgh who had maturity issues that have continued to follow him to Chicago. JuJu Smith-Schuster was largely a fan favorite in Pittsburgh, but he didn't escape criticism for some of his antics on social media. Second-year receiver George Pickens has gotten into some hot water recently over his use of Instagram, and his lack of maturity. 

ESPN's Steelers writer, Brooke Pryor was one of the media members around on Monday when Pickens addressed the controversial liking of a comment on one of his posts that took a shot at quarterback Kenny Pickett. She broke down her perspective on the controversy and how Pickens handled it on a Pittsburgh Post-Gazette podcast with writer Brian Batko. 

"We talked to him [Pickens] right before 1:30," she said. "After he said that didn't happen, a couple of us checked the Instagram feed and the comment was still liked. I screenshotted it. Then the comment is gone and the like is gone."

Pryor said that it was sometime between 1:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. on Monday when the two disappeared. She added that she would've liked to see some ownership of what happened from the young receiver, instead of the non-answer he gave to the media in trying to explain what happened. 

She said that explaining it as a mistake, or that someone else who has access to his account liked the comment, instead of avoiding taking any kind of accountability for it would've been more acceptable.

Batko joked that the answer he did give about having his comments and tags turned off made about as much sense as two and two equaling five. Pryor agreed that the response from Pickens didn't seem to add up.

Steelers Going To Need Pickens To Grow Up With Major Injury To Receiver Group

The team didn't get good news on the injury front after the San Francisco 49ers gave them a beating on Sunday, but losing Diontae Johnson for multiple weeks with a hamstring ailment is going to mean an elevated role and spotlight on Pickens.

Pickens had a challenging Week 1 against the 49ers. He was targeted seven times, making five catches for 36 yards, with his longest reception of the day being a nine-yard grab. 

Batko noted from his perch in the press box that during the game on Sunday, Pickens was often sitting by himself on the bench away from the rest of the receivers, and at one point, had an animated conversation with position coach Frisman Jackson. His frustration also resulted in an unnecessary roughness penalty in the fourth quarter during the game against San Francisco. 

Pryor said Pickens' skill is obvious, but he needs to be in control of his emotions or he won't be as big a help to the team as he could be. With Johnson, the top target in 2022, out for however long the rehab from the hamstring injury takes and then possibly being eased back slowly, the team needs their second-year receiver to step up big, Pryor said. 

"You need Pickens to play with a clear mind and be an effective part of this offense," she said. "The thing that could be his undoing is if he doesn't get in control of those emotions and the frustration that he gets and doesn't know how to channel it." 

Pittsburgh Head Coach Mike Tomlin has dealt with his fair share of personalities, especially at the receiver position. His next challenge will be finding a way to help Pickens deal with those emotions and that frustration in a more positive way, and perhaps getting him to stay off social media.   

Do you think Pittsburgh has a potential problem growing with Pickens' attitude? Do you think it will change as he likely gets more action with Johnson hurt? Comment below!

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