Steelers WR George Pickens Penalized for Firing an Imaginary Gun
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Pickens was called for a second unsportsmanlike penalty in Sunday’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals. After a 36-yard reception in the third quarter, Pickens was penalized for firing an imaginary gun.
George Pickens called for another unsportsmanlike conduct for this celebration…pic.twitter.com/sFySIkDree
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) December 1, 2024
Pickens’ first unsportsmanlike penalty came in the first quarter. On third-and-8, Pickens caught a 21-yard pass from Russell Wilson over the middle to put the Steelers in Bengals territory. The big gain was negated 15 yards to Pickens standing over linebacker Germaine Pratt and dropping the ball in his face.
Steelers right tackle and college teammate Broderick Jones tried to console George Pickens after the penalty. Jones did the same after the second infraction.
The first penalty ended up not hurting the Steelers, as Wilson connected to Calvin Austin III for a 23-yard touchdown to tie the game at 14-14 at the 14:56 mark of the second quarter. Pickens will probably get fined by the NFL for both unsportsmanlike penalties. He also punted the ball into the stands after his 17-yard touchdown in the first quarter.
Pickens and Cleveland Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II were not fined by the league for their skirmish at the end of last Thursday night’s game. Cleveland.com reported that the NFL was expected to review the incident. Pickens has already been fined multiple times this season, but his wallet wasn’t docked this time around.
Pickens was reportedly fined over $200,000 by the team and league last year.
On the Steelers’ opening drive, Pickens got thrown to the ground resulting in a pick-six by Cam Taylor-Britt. CBS rules analyst Gene Steratore said Britt should have been called for illegal hands to the face.
Head coach Mike Tomlin immediately went over to Pickens and gave him a pep talk to keep his head in the game. Pickens scored off a screen pass on the ensuing drive to tie the game at 7-7.
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