Sports

Fans Call For George Pickens’ Ejection Because He Can’t Stop Getting Unsportsmanlike Conduct Penalties

#George Pickens
by Last Updated
George Pickens celebrates during a Pittsburgh Steelers game.

Getty Image


Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens continued to embrace his menacing role while lining up against the division rival Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday. The pass catcher was seen getting into it with opposing players while also committing a number of unsportsmanlike penalties.

Some called for his ejection from the game, citing the NFL rulebook regarding its policy on multiple unsportsmanlike fouls. They say the Steelers should’ve been forced to bench him!

Pickens was involved in big plays from the get-go. In the first quarter of action, he was seen being tossed to the ground by a Bengals defender resulting in a pick six and an early lead for Cincinnati.

Mike Tomlin did what he could calm his frustrated receiver down. It worked as he’d catch a touchdown pass on the next drive to even the score.

Later on in the contest, George Pickens‘ emotions began to get the best of him. After hauling in one particular first down catch, he showed up his defender by dropping the football in disrespectful fashion at his foe’s feet. That act quickly landed an unsportsmanlike penalty flag.

A few moments later, he was then seen celebrating by pretending to brandish a weapon while pointing it in the direction of the home crowd. Again, he was flagged.

The NFL has been working to remove those types of celebrations from the game. George Pickens didn’t care! Some viewers suggested he should be ejected.

According to the rulebook, “two violations by the same player will result in disqualification in addition to penalty yardage.” Those violations include throwing a punch, using abusive, threatening or insulting language or gestures, and using baiting or taunting acts or words that may engender ill will between teams.

Pickens seems to have violated two rules (taunting and threatening gestures). He was allowed to stay in the game despite being flagged for both. Some believe he should’ve been removed from the contest. He’d finish the game with a team-high 74 receiving yards.