Steelers’ George Pickens Faces Criticism from Coach Mike Tomlin After Latest Game
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens has been at the center of controversy multiple times in his young NFL career. After the Steelers’ win over the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday, head coach Mike Tomlin expressed his displeasure with Pickens’ unsportsmanlike conduct penalties, saying he needs to “grow up in a hurry.”
Pickens led the Steelers with three catches for 75 yards and a touchdown against the Bengals, but his performance was marred by two unsportsmanlike conduct penalties. The Steelers were charged with nine penalties for 103 yards in the game.
Tomlin declined to reveal more details about how he has dealt with Pickens since the game, saying he prefers to keep his private treatment of the player behind the scenes. “I’m not going to give you any detail about what goes on behind the scenes in terms of his growth and development,” Tomlin said. “That’s my style, and I’m going to be really consistent in it.”
Pickens has made headlines multiple times this year, including an exchange with reporters after a game in which he channeled former NFL running back Marshawn Lynch’s viral moment from the 2015 Super Bowl media day. When asked about his involvement in a scuffle at the end of a Week 12 game against the Cleveland Browns, Pickens repeatedly responded, “I’m just here so I won’t get fined.”
Despite the controversy, Pickens has had a strong season, with 55 catches for 850 yards in 12 games.