NFL hits Pittsburgh Steelers’ George Pickens with a hefty fine

PITTSBURGH – The NFL didn’t hold back in fining a play by Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens that went viral and added another iconic moment to the 2024 wideout’s resume.

Pickens was fined for a facemask penalty during a stiff-arm against the Washington Commanders in Week 10. The NFL broadsided the superstar with a hefty $16,883 fine for what they call unnecessary roughness during the facemask.

While setting the scene would work to describe the piece, viewing it is the only way to do it justice. Pickens, who has had some viral moments this season, probably could have made this play work even after opting to stiff-arm at the line of scrimmage. Unfortunately, this didn’t work out, and he now faces a fine for an action that was likely unintentional.

This is Pickens’ second penalty of the season, the first coming against the Dallas Cowboys when he yanked cornerback Jourdan Lewis down by his face mask late in the game.

The Pittsburgh wideout was surprisingly not fined for a play during the game that many thought would lead to some discipline. Near the end of the first half, Russell Wilson threw an interception, and as the defender hit the ground, Pickens, who was the intended wide receiver, touched him. During the play, the referees did not see the contact, keeping the game alive. And as the defender ran off the field, Pickens got physical with Washington’s Mike Sainristil.

Ultimately, no penalty was given because both players fought on the ground and the NFL apparently deemed it fair game.

Pickens will look to avoid penalties in the future, but don’t expect his physical play to be dampened. Head coach Mike Tomlin always says he’d rather say “woah” than “sick,” and there’s little chance he or Pickens will see the fines as a reason for him to calm down during the Steelers’ second half of the season. .

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