Steelers' George Pickens Fined $20,462 for Unsportsmanlike Conduct Against Bengals

The wide receiver faced penalties for taunting and a banned gesture during Pittsburgh's Week 13 win, drawing criticism from his coach.

George Pickens was fined $20,462 by the NFL for two unsportsmanlike conduct violations during the Steelers' 44-38 victory over the Bengals in Week 13.
The penalties were issued for a banned finger gun gesture after a 47-yard catch and for dropping the ball on a Bengals defender after another play.
Referee Shawn Hochuli clarified that Pickens was not ejected because the second penalty was not directed at an opponent, which is a requirement for disqualification under the rules.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin criticized Pickens' behavior, urging him to 'grow up' and handle the emotional intensity of divisional games more maturely.
Pickens, in his third NFL season, has been fined six times across his career, including three times this season, and has drawn scrutiny for his on-field conduct.