NFL Investigating Steelers WR George Pickens
The NFL is investigating whether to fine Pittsburgh Steelers WR George Pickens for his profane eye-black message.
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens could find himself in hot water with the National Football League.
The NFL is investigating the message that Pickens wrote on his eye black during the Steelers’ Sunday Night Football loss to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 5. Pickens wore black tape across the bridge of his nose, with white lettering reading “Open Fucking Always.”
ESPN first reported that the league is looking to Pickens’ message.
The NFL prohibits personal messages written on players bodies or uniforms during games, as part of league Rule 5. Players are prohibited from wearing any personal message, and the ban is not explicitly against profanity, though that probably won’t help Pickens’ cause if he has to plead his case with the league.
The punishment for violations of the rule is generally a fine. NFL player fines are distributed to the Professional Athletes Foundation, which supports former NFL players in need and supports health and safety initiatives in youth football.
Head coach Mike Tomlin said on Tuesday that he did not notice the writing on Pickens’ face, which was present throughout the game.
“I don’t know what messaging you’re talking about regarding his eye black,” Tomlin said Tuesday.
Pickens saw dramatically reduced playing time in the game against the Cowboys, but Tomlin insists that it was not punitive in nature, and was designed to improve his performance by managing his workload.
RELATED: Saunders: Let’s Be Real, George Pickens Was Benched and He Deserved It
Pickens has not spoken with the Pittsburgh media since Sunday’s game.
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