George Pickens Said He Didn’t Know Rule, Doesn’t Expect Blowback from Profane Eye Black Message
Pittsburgh Steelers WR George Pickens said he didn't know about the rule and doesn't expect consequences for his profane eye black message.
PITTSBURGH — George Pickens had a lot to say on Sunday when the Pittsburgh Steelers took the field against the Dallas Cowboys at Acrisure Stadium.
So much that it couldn’t be constrained by mere words. He had to spell it out for the rest of the world. Pickens wrote “Open Fucking Always” in white letters across the strip of eye black tape that adorned his face on Sunday night.
After Pickens caught three of his seven targets for 26 yards on Sunday in what became a 20-17 Steelers loss, Pickens had a lot less to say. He did not speak with the media postgame, as is required by NFL policy. Of course, NFL policy doesn’t seem to be a priority. The league’s rules strictly prohibit personal messages displayed during games. Pickens is under investigation from the league for violating that portion of the rulebook.
When he finally did speak to the media on Thursday, before practice, he had almost nothing to say.
Q: How do you feel about playing lesser snaps than what you’ve been playing?
“Yeah. I think it was probably a game plan. That’s pretty much it.”
Q: The message on your eye black, what was the purpose behind it?
“It’s just eye black. Yeah.”
Q: Did you expect a blowback about the message on the eye black?
“Nah.”
Q: Have you heard from the league about a fine or is there anything internal?
Pickens just shook his head no.
Q: Mike said you’re OK with the load management. Is that true?
“Yeah. That’s what he just asked me. It’s just part of the game plan.”
Q: What happened with the Jourdan Lewis play at the end of the game?
“Nothing.”
Q: Do you feel confident in the plan to play you fewer snaps?
“Like I said, it’s just part of the game structure, game plan. You know, if Art wants to do a certain type of play, certain types of games plans, then it’s going to be different.”
Q: Is it frustrating to be limited?
“No, not really.”
Q: How do you manage frustrations over the course of a season?
“You just keep working.”
Q: Is there something you can do to get back to playing full reps?
“No, it’s not on me. It’s all up to Art.”
Q: Have you gotten better at handling adversity like questionable penalty calls?
“I wouldn’t really say that. That’s all on the refs. That should show you where the refs are this season.”
Q: Should the Steelers trade for a wide receiver before the deadline?
“No, I wouldn’t say that. I would say the guys that’s here, they’re working hard every day.”
Q: Do you feel like you’re being used effectively in his offense?
“Yeah.”
Q: Is there anything you’d like to do more out there?
“Nah. Just keep working.”
Q: Were you aware of the rule about messaging on the eye black.
“Never seen it before. Have you seen it before?”
Cam got fined some years ago for putting his dad’s name on it.
“Years ago? When I wasn’t in the league? So, no.”
Q: Do you regret throwing your helmet on the sideline?
“No. When it’s third down and you don’t convert, a lot of fans are mad, as well.”
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