Steelers’ WR George Pickens Could Face Discipline From The NFL
He’s not been a happy camper this season and made that clear last Sunday night in a game against the Cowboys. And how he expressed his displeasure means Steelers’ WR George Pickens could face discipline from the NFL. During the game, Pickens wore eye black with the words “Open f****** always” that was hard to miss. Heading into the game, Pickens was the number one receiver for the Pittsburgh Steelers. In four weeks he had 20 receptions for 284 yards or 14.2 yards per catch. He had more targets (29) than dependable tight end Pat Freirmuth who had 20.
Pickens always believes he’s open and wants the quarterback to throw him the ball. However, he isn’t supposed to broadcast that message publicly. According to the NFL Rulebook:
“Players are prohibited from wearing, displaying, or otherwise conveying personal messages either in writing or illustration, unless such message has been approved in advance by the League office. The League will not grant permission for any club or player to wear, display, or otherwise convey messages, through helmet decals, arm bands, jersey patches, mouthpieces, or other items affixed to game uniforms or equipment, which relate to political activities or causes, other non-football events, causes or campaigns, or charitable causes or campaigns.”
A similar rules infraction happened back in 2015 with defensive lineman Cam Heyward. He wrote the message IRON HEAD” on his eye black honoring of his late father Craig “Ironhead” Heyward, a former NFL fullback. He wore it two weeks in a row and the NFL fined him $11,567 which outraged many people. Heyward wore the eye black to bring awareness to the battle his father fought with a recurring cancerous brain tumor. Heyward chose to discontinue wearing the message so as not to distract from his teammates or the Steelers organization.
Steelers’ WR George Pickens Could Face Discipline From The NFL
Heyward is still with the Steelers and is a teammate of Pickens. Perhaps he can offer some advice to the young three-year veteran. Because at this point, Pickens doesn’t think the eye black message is a big deal and wasn’t aware of the rule. “It’s just eye black,” Pickens said, according to ESPN’s Brooke Pryor, before responding, “nah” when asked if he expected it to cause a stir. Pickens shook his head “no” when asked if he’s heard from the league.
Big deal or not you have to believe that the NFL will be fining him. I mean they did it to Heyward almost ten years ago for a good cause. I don’t imagine they will somehow show any leniency to Pickens for his self-promotion. I guess we’ll find out soon enough.
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