George Pickens, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ third-year wide receiver, was not in a talkative mood during his media session on the day after Thanksgiving. When asked about his involvement in a scuffle at the end of the previous week’s game against the Cleveland Browns, Pickens repeatedly responded, “I’m just here so I won’t get fined.”
The scuffle occurred on the final play of the game, when Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson tossed a Hail Mary pass toward the end zone. Pickens was in the area of the pass, but Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II was guarding him and effectively took the wide receiver out of the play. Cameras missed the beginning of the altercation, but a quick pan appeared to show Pickens and Newsome getting tangled up near the stands.
The camera then showed Pickens being held back by two members of stadium security near the seats, with one fan even holding Pickens’ arm. Initial speculation suggested the player was getting into it with fans. Shortly after the game, Pickens placed the blame on the weather conditions, saying “Conditions played a huge, huge part in today’s game. I don’t really think the Cleveland Browns are a good team at all.”
Pickens’ assertion suggests that the Steelers fell to 8-3 due to the snow and wind, which picked up in the second half of the game. The Steelers will look to solidify their position atop the AFC North when they play the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.