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Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens was apparently unaware the NFL could fine him for violating the league’s uniform policy during Sunday’s loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
ESPN’s Brooke Pryor noted Thursday that Pickens was asked about his decision to wear eye black that said “Open F–king Always” during the game and said he did not know the league had a policy that prevents players from displaying personal, unapproved messages.
“It’s just eye black,” he added while answering “no” when asked if he expected there to be any push back from it.
Brooke Pryor @bepryor
George Pickens said he wasn’t aware of the league’s uniform policy prohibiting unapproved personal messages.
It was pointed out that Cam Heyward was previously fined for writing his dad’s name in his eye black, Pickens said:
“Years ago? When I wasn’t in the league? So nah.” pic.twitter.com/8RpCzZw37f
Pryor also reported the league is expected to review the situation and could issue a fine.
It was part of an eventful game for Pickens, who grabbed Jourdan Lewis’ facemask following the final whistle. That sent the Cowboys defensive back to the ground, but the wide receiver said “nothing” happened when asked about that incident.
For his part, Lewis turned heads when he called Pickens “weak” as he headed back to the locker room:
Bobby Belt @BobbyBeltTX
Jourdan Lewis on his way to the locker: “Pittsburgh need a receiver. George Pickens weak.” pic.twitter.com/GXr2uf5LDw
“Honestly, I shouldn’t have said that,” Lewis told reporters Wednesday. “It was an emotional game. There was some chatter on the field. One thing led to another. He had a moment, I had a moment. It was too emotional, I shouldn’t have said it.”
The incident happened after Pickens finished with just three catches for 26 yards in the 20-17 loss. He was on the field for a career-low 34 snaps.
“I think it was part of the game plan,” he said of his playing time. “That was pretty much it.”
It remains to be seen whether he will be fined for the eye black or anything coming out of Sunday’s game, but he will look to bounce back on the field when the Steelers take on the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 6.
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