Steelers wide receiver George Pickens’ penalties outshined his performance in a 44-38 win over the Bengals on Sunday.
Pickens, who had threee catches for 74 yards and a touchdown, received two 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalties — and Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin sent him a stern message after their victory at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati.
“He’s just gotta grow up, man,” Tomlin said in his postgame press conference. “It’s an emotional game. These divisional games are big. He’s got a target on his back because he’s George. He understands that. But he’s gotta grow up, and he’s gotta grow up in a hurry.”
#Steelers HC Mike Tomlin on WR George Pickens’ unsportsmanlike penalties.
“He’s just got to grow up, man. It’s an emotional game. These divisional games are big. He’s got a target on his back because he’s George. He understands that’s, but he’s gotta grow up.” pic.twitter.com/WdfdkDX9Qw
— Aaron Becker (@Aaron_M_Becker) December 1, 2024
Pickens received a 15-yard penalty for taunting a defender in the first half, and then another unsportsmanlike conduct penalty in the second half for making what appeared like a gun gesture.
He also punted the ball into the stands after a 17-yard score in the first quarter.
