Dec 1, 2024; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) runs the ball in for a touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals in the first half at Paycor Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images
The Pittsburgh Steelers are coming from a huge win against the Cincinnati Bengals, putting them at a 9-3 record going into Week 14. With a rematch coming up this Sunday against the Cleveland Browns, star wide receiver George Pickens has received a massive punishment from the NFL for multiple violations in last week’s win.
Pittsburgh Steelers Receiver Punished
Dec 24, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) and quarterback Kenny Pickett (8) celebrate after combining for a game winning touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders during the fourth quarter at Acrisure Stadium. The Steelers won 13-10. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
The league fined Pickens $20,462 for two unsportsmanlike conduct violations, including his finger gun toward the stands after a 46-yard catch, according to Tom Pelissero.
The NFL fined #Steelers WR George Pickens $20,462 for two unsportsmanlike conduct violations — including his finger gun towards the stands after a 46-yard catch last week. pic.twitter.com/rINarLrG9m
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 7, 2024
George Pickens
Dec 31, 2023; Seattle, Washington, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) during the second half against the Seattle Seahawks at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports
Pickens has been known to trash talk frequently, and the league has already handed out multiple fines to the receiver for similar infractions. Pickens was also seen in a fight by the stands following the conclusion of the team’s loss against Cleveland a couple of weeks ago, so his emotions will likely be running high as he faces them this week. He had three receptions for 74 yards and a touchdown against the Bengals last week, helping the Steelers get the victory in a shootout.
The receiver has gone for 850 receiving yards and three touchdowns this year through 13 weeks. He is on pace to match or break his career high for most yards in a season, which came last year when he went for 1,140 yards and five touchdowns.
