George Pickens refuses to discuss scuffle after loss to Cleveland Browns

In the United States, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens had a terse media session following the Thanksgiving holiday on November 29, 2024. During this session, Pickens was asked by reporters about potential penalties regarding a confrontation at the end of the recent game against the Cleveland Browns, which ended with a 24-19 defeat for the Steelers. Pickens dismissed the inquiries with the repeated phrase, 'I'm just here so I won't get fined,' a reference to Marshawn Lynch's famous statement that had gone viral in earlier years. This response indicates Pickens' unwillingness to engage with the media regarding sensitive topics, particularly his involvement in the game, where he was noted to have been involved in a skirmish with Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II. The end of the game saw a physical exchange that was cut from the broadcast, raising questions about the player's conduct. The incident drew attention partly due to the poor weather conditions which Pickens blamed for the loss, suggesting that the snowy field favored the opposing team. The weather was scrutinized, especially as the snowfall intensified during the game's second half, potentially impacting gameplay significantly. This scuffle addition on his record might affect his standing in future games as disciplinary actions from the NFL could follow. Just weeks earlier, Pickens faced further scrutiny for wearing eye black that contravened league rules, which showcases a pattern of behavior that could irritate the NFL’s governing body and affect his reputation. The Steelers aim to secure their position atop the AFC North in their upcoming game against the Cincinnati Bengals but may face ongoing issues with player discipline and media relations that could impact their performance going forward.