The NFL is currently investigating an explicit message that Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens displayed on his eye black during their 20-17 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday night, reports ESPN’s Brooke Pryor.
Pickens wore the phrase “Open F***ing Always” in silver lettering on his eye black at Acrisure Stadium. The explicit nature of the message is likely what triggered the NFL’s review. League rules explicitly state that players are prohibited from “wearing, displaying or otherwise conveying personal messages either in writing or illustration, unless such message has been approved in advance by the League office.”
When questioned about the incident, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin remained tight-lipped. “I don’t know what messaging you’re talking about regarding his eye black,” Tomlin responded on Tuesday, via ESPN. “I don’t have any outlying issue with his effort.”
If Pickens faces a fine for his actions, it is expected to be announced on Saturday, along with other league fines.
This season, Pickens has recorded 310 receiving yards over five games but has yet to score a touchdown. In the game against the Cowboys, the 23-year-old played a career-low 34 snaps, managing just three catches for 26 yards. According to Tomlin, the limited snap count was part of a “snap management” strategy. However, controversy surrounded Pickens’ conduct post-game as he was spotted pulling Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis down by the facemask.
Though Tomlin declined to publicly address the situation, he confirmed having private discussions with Pickens. “It’s certainly things that I’m open to addressing and will and do,” Tomlin stated. “I just don’t detail, and in settings like this because it’s business between he and I in terms of his growth and development as a player and as a man. I just don’t think it aids that growth and development to address it in open settings such as this regarding his behavior. I am aware of that and obviously that has been and will continue to be addressed.”
As the investigation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether the NFL will impose disciplinary action on Pickens for his eye black message and behavior during the Cowboys matchup.
#Steelers WR George Pickens making a statement with his eye black. pic.twitter.com/79nxITnRSM
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 7, 2024