George Pickens made headlines in Week 12 for his apparent beef with Greg Newsome II. After the game, he threw shade at the Cleveland Browns defensive back as well.
However, in his latest appearance, the wide receiver channeled his inner Marshawn Lynch to deal with the questions.
George Pickens Goes the Route of Marshawn Lynch in Dealing With the Press
“I’m just here so I won’t get fined” — these words from Lynch before the 2015 Super Bowl at the media day have been etched into NFL history. The Pittsburgh Steelers WR Pickens employed the same line while dealing with questions regarding Newsome’s comments and their beef.
ESPN’s NFL reporter took to X (formerly Twitter) to highlight this approach from the 23-year-old:
“George Pickens opted to go the Marshawn Lynch route about any question related to the scuffle at the end of the Browns game and on one about how to improve the red zone offense,” she posted.
George Pickens opted to go the Marshawn Lynch route about any question related to the scuffle at the end of the Browns game and on one about how to improve the red zone offense.
He also said Cincinnati had a “potent” offense. pic.twitter.com/SodO4LFePb
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) November 29, 2024
The NFL has strict media policies in place for the players. Pickens’ idol in this situation learned that the hard way as the running back was fined $100K for avoiding media on two occasions in 2014. This season, Pickens has incurred $37,344 in fines already.
Mike Tomlin Gets Diplomatic Over Pickens’ Response
After the 24-19 loss against the Browns, Pickens stated that their loss was due to the snowy weather conditions. He had highlighted that the visibility could’ve hindered Russell Wilson as well, while the Browns had home-field advantage.
Tomlin while talking to the press didn’t choose to take cover behind those issues and talked about Pickens’ claims: “I am not going to add color to [his players’] comments,” he said. “Their thoughts and feelings are their own. I don’t want them to be robots and want them to say what they want to say.”
The Steelers will face off against the Cincinnati Bengals in their Week 13 matchup on Sunday, Nov. 31. In Week 14, Pickens will be looking to get back over the Browns in the return leg at Acrisure Stadium.