Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens has found himself in hot water with the NFL after being penalized for two unsportsmanlike conduct violations in his team’s thrilling 44-38 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 13. The penalties have cost the 23-year-old a total of 30 yards and earned him hefty fines from the league, marking a growing pattern of disciplinary issues.
The first violation occurred in the first quarter when Pickens made a remarkable 47-yard reception, only to follow it up with an unsportsmanlike gesture. After hauling in the pass, he pointed his fingers toward the stands in a manner the officials deemed inappropriate, resulting in a 15-yard penalty.
Pickens wasn’t done, however. Early in the third quarter, after catching a 36-yard pass, he made a bizarre move, dropping the ball on an opposing player in what many viewed as a provocative act. This led to another unsportsmanlike conduct penalty, further costing the Steelers valuable yardage.
These incidents mark the sixth time in just three seasons that Pickens has been fined for unsportsmanlike conduct. He was fined three times last season and has now been penalized three times in 2024, making it clear that his fiery attitude on the field is starting to catch up with him.
Despite the penalties, Pickens has had an impressive season, recording 55 catches for 850 yards and 3 touchdowns as the Steelers sit at a 9-3 record. However, his continued disciplinary issues could lead to further scrutiny from both the league and his team as they prepare for the remainder of the season.
With the Steelers vying for a playoff spot, Pickens will need to channel his energy into more productive plays and avoid further costly mistakes if he hopes to keep his team’s focus on the field.
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