On Tuesday, during his weekly news conference, Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin said that any drama with wide receiver George Pickens isn’t a big deal.
“I know it’s a cute story for you guys, but it is a pebble in my shoe to be quite honest with you in terms of things I have to do to get this team ready to play this week,” Tomlin said.
He also said the media likes to turn things into a reality television show.
Here’s what happened:
Pickens posted ‘free me’ on social media on Friday and then scrubbed references about playing for the Steelers. The second-year receiver didn’t get a second foot in negating a touchdown on Thursday and had two catches for minus one yard.
He was seen moping on the sidelines after Diontae Johnson caught the game-winning touchdown against the Titans and left the locker room before reporters were allowed in to ask him questions.
On Monday Allen Robinson said they’re talking to Pickens.
“The season can be a rollercoaster sometimes,” Robinson said. “It’s one of those things where it’s never exactly where you want it. It’s not going to be easy. We’ve continually talked to him and communicated to him. He’s a significant player in this league and is going to attract a significant amount of attention from defenses trying to take him away.”
But it’s not just his teammates who are reacting.
Several Legends are also speaking out about Pickens’ behavior.
Hines Ward spoke to CBS Sports. He says Pickens need to be a team player.
"Sometimes, don't can't get all caught up in drinking the Kool-Aid and thinking that it's all about you, because football is a total team aspect,” said Ward. “One person can't win the Super Bowl by themselves. It takes a collective group of guys to come together, to be unselfish.
Pickens would’ve had a touchdown, had he gotten both feet in the endzone, but his one foot was out of bounce.
Former NFL stars tight end Shannon Sharpe and wide receiver Chad Johnson reacted to Pickens.
“Bro, you put too much work in,” said Sharpe on their “Nightcap” podcast.
That’s lazy feet. That’s lazy. There’s no other way around it. That’s just being lazy. You know you can’t take that long of a step in the end zone on a catch like that.”
Johnson said that Pickens is one of the top five in the league “but when your opportunities come to you and I love you, you got to make the most of them,” he said about Pickens missing a touchdown.