Steelers' George Pickens Called "Sick" For Shocking Behavior By Dallas' Star Defender

The Pittsburgh Steelers lost in ugly fashion to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5. It was one of those losses that left people feeling disheartened and confused. It wasn't one of those games where a finger of blame can be pointed at a specific player or position. However, the most confusing part of the game, other than the loss, is what on earth was going on with wide receiver George Pickens. 

It all started with the revelation of his EyeBlack paint, which read, "Open f***ing always." Then it became obvious that Pickens wasn't playing as much as other receivers. After the game, it was noted that Pickens only played 34 out of 58 snaps. Head Coach Mike Tomlin was asked about the snaps during his postgame press conference and he explained that it was part of "load management" for certain skill players. He indicated he does the same with Cameron Heyward. However, Heyward is 35, Pickens is 23, and the team's only viable receiver. 

Pickens' frustration was obvious on the sidelines, so much so that teammates were moving away from him. He appeared not to give full effort when blocking, and then, at the end of the game, he displayed some truly despicable behavior. Pickens was being taunted by Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis, who got up in his face and waved the football at him. Rather than walk away, Pickens grabbed Lewis' helmet and twisted it by the facemask. 

Dallas' edge rushing star Micah Parsons was out of the game with an injury, but he spoke to Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs about what Pickens did on his show The Edge with Micah Parsons. Parsons said he saw Pickens and Lewis chirping at each other all game, but that's what players do: they talk trash, especially when they are unexpectedly winning a game on the road. Diggs laughed about it and indicated he wasn't surprised Lewis was trash-talking. 

"I was crying because I watched it in the regular meeting time," said Parsons. "This man Pickens is sick. 'Cause you know they gonna hit him with that fine. That fine really be the worst part. I think there would be so many more fights if we weren't scared of fines. Them fines is deep too."

Fans took to social media to both condemn and defend Pickens. While some felt that the officials should tamp down the taunting that led to Pickens' outburst, almost everyone agreed that the third-year receiver took it too far, with several calling for him to be suspended.

There is little doubt that Pickens will receive fines for the eye black and unsportsmanlike conduct, but the amount isn't clear. The NFL sends the players a letter, a video of the infraction, and their fine amount. This information is ultimately made available to the public on their website. Last season, word was that Pickens had been hit with over $200,000 in fines since entering the NFL; this will certainly increase that total.   

Steelers Still In The Market For Davante Adams

Since trading away Diontae Johnson during the 2024 offseason, the Steelers have been without a strong wide receiver to pair with Pickens. It was assumed that one would be grabbed before the season began, but that didn't happen. Now, as the trade deadline draws near and the Steelers' obvious need for another receiver becomes more apparent, they have been linked to Davante Adams. 

Adams has requested a trade from the Las Vegas Raiders, and they are trying to accommodate that. While the New York Jets have been hailed as his most likely destination, the Steelers have been considered in the mix much as they were for Brandon Aiyuk. 

It will all depend on whether Adams insists upon playing with his old quarterback, Aaron Rodgers, or is open to coming to the Steel City. Players have previously cited Tomlin as a top factor for choosing Pittsburgh. It is also possible that Adams could see himself as a savior in this offense, considering the need and Pickens' behavior. 

What do you think Pickens' punishment should be? Click to comment below.

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