Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens doesn’t seem too concerned about facing Cleveland defensive back Greg Newsome II again.
Two weeks after Pickens and Newsome collided in the stands after Cleveland’s 24-19 upset of the Steelers, Pickens acted like he didn’t know who Newsome was when asked if he expected to talk to him before the game on Sunday.
“I don’t even know who that is,” Pickens said.
In case Pickens needed a reminder, he and Newsome had a physical encounter during the final snap at Huntington Bank Stadium when they were wrestling down the field, into the end zone, and beyond. During Pittsburgh’s unsuccessful Hail Mary attempt, the ball dropped, and the two players continued fighting.
Pickens grabbed Newsome’s helmet as they crashed into a wall, and Pickens had to be restrained after Newsome walked away.
Newsome, who didn’t know what triggered the confrontation, dismissed Pickens’ comments, saying he wasn’t offended.
“Nah, because the only way you would take something that somebody says disrespectful is if you actually care about that person,” Newsome said. “So I don’t care what he has to say or anybody has to say. So I don’t take it as disrespectful because I don’t care about the dude at all.”
Newsome also pointed out that Pickens seems more focused on himself, mentioning the penalties Pickens has caused.
Pickens, who is known for displaying frustration and immaturity at times, has been fined several times this season for various infractions. He was penalized twice for unsportsmanlike conduct after receptions in a game against Cincinnati, which hurt the Steelers by giving up field position.
Pickens downplayed the idea that defenders can get under his skin. When asked about his repeated penalties and altercations with other players, he said it’s part of playing hard.
“That comes from playing hard,” Pickens said. “When you’re playing hard, the league has a target on your back. You possibly, I’m not saying 100 percent, but you possibly could get flags.”
Pickens also expressed that he hopes officials aren’t singling him out, saying, “I’m just out there playing like every other receiver.”
Despite his talent, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin and quarterback Russell Wilson, among others, have defended Pickens. Tomlin recently said Pickens needs to “grow up and grow up in a hurry” after the penalties against Cincinnati. Offensive tackle Broderick Jones also tried to calm Pickens down after the penalties.
“Everybody knows he’s a great football player,” Jones said. “But we’re trying to do something bigger and better here with our offense and just our schemes and we just don’t need nothing to slow us down. You make a good play then you giving (the yardage) right back to them, that makes no sense.”
Jones also compared the way Pickens’ outbursts were handled when they were teammates at Georgia to how they are dealt with now in the NFL.
“Back then you’ve got punishment, now they just take your money,” Jones said. “I just feel like George doesn’t play the game for the money. He loves the game. He wants everybody to see his swagger.”
Pickens seems to embrace his swagger, even as he draws more attention. He spent a few minutes on Friday making fun of both Newsome and the Browns. After their loss to Cleveland, Pickens blamed the weather conditions, saying the Browns were a bad team. He still feels that way.
“I just go by their record,” Pickens said of Cleveland, which has a 3-9 record. Jones laughed at Pickens’ comments.
“He be trolling, he’s just a troll,” Jones said. “Like I tell him, just keep making plays. … Just keep doing what you doing, just try to cut off the stupid stuff.”
