Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens has been handed a significant fine of $22,511 by the NFL for a facemask penalty during the team’s Week 18 matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
The incident occurred in the fourth quarter when Pickens grabbed Bengals cornerback Cam Taylor-Britt’s facemask while attempting to catch a pass. The fine, classified as an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, is the largest Pickens has received this season.
Adding to the frustration, Pickens had a poor performance in the game, recording just one reception for zero yards and multiple drops.
This latest penalty brings Pickens’ season total in NFL fines to $90,548, all stemming from in-game incidents. Last year, he reportedly faced over $200,000 in combined fines from both the league and the Steelers, raising concerns about his discipline on the field.
The Steelers, meanwhile, ended the season with an eighth consecutive year without a playoff win, increasing scrutiny on the team’s roster. As Pickens enters the final year of his rookie contract, questions are emerging about his long-term future with Pittsburgh.
When asked about his future after the playoff loss to the Baltimore Ravens, Pickens avoided speculation, stating he is not focused on what lies ahead. However, his history of fines and on-field issues raises doubts about how the Steelers view his maturity and role moving forward.
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