George Pickens’ comments on penalties in Week 13 don’t show much growth

The Pittsburgh Steelers have a problem with George Pickens. As talented as he is, the wide receiver is also a liability due to his weekly antics, which resurfaced in the 44-38 win over the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 13.

Pickens was first cited for taunting after a catch in the first quarter, and then he received a second flag for unsportsmanlike conduct for a hand gesture he made that resembled a finger gun.

The second was particularly bad because it happened after a 36-yard catch by Pickens brought the Steelers to the Bengals’ 13-yard line. The flag pushed Pittsburgh back to the 28-yard line and kicker Chris Boswell prevented a field goal three plays later.

In case you’re wondering, it doesn’t look like Pickens has learned his lesson after all of his on-field issues this season. The Steelers’ No. 1 wide receiver essentially blamed the officials.

“I already know that,” he said, according to Chris Adamski of TribLive.com, when asked if his penalties hurt the team. “I would probably just say that the referees think different gestures could probably hurt the team.”

Pickens added that officials admitted that “they misunderstood the gesture,” and he added that he had “no intention of harming the team,” but since the league is cracking down on gestures that defy holding and firing a weapon, Pickens should stay away from anything that comes near him while celebrating.

When asked if there was anything he could do differently in the future, Pickens again gave a less-than-ideal answer.

“No, honestly, I can just keep going my way and keep playing,” he said. “We have referees out there making certain decisions for certain penalties and certain flags. “If they don’t make it, I’m pretty sure the coaches are going to take them on.”

It’s good to see Pickens saying he doesn’t want to harm the team, but he always seems to have an excuse. Showing growth means taking full responsibility for your mistakes and then not repeating them.

Pickens’ antics are clearly trying the patience of head coach Mike Tomlin, who said his No. 1 wide receiver needs to grow up quickly.

“He just needs to grow up, man,” Tomlin said of Pickens, according to Mike DeFabo of The Athletic. “It’s an emotional game. These division games are big. He has a target on his back because he’s George. He understands that. But he has to grow up. He needs to grow up fast.”

Unfortunately, Pickens’ comments on his penalties don’t show the development his head coach expects. The Steelers can only hope that this doesn’t end up costing them the win.

MORE PITTSBURGH STEELERS NEWS

Fans are trashing Dan Orlovsky after the latest excuse for the Steelers’ success

Mike Tomlin and Broderick Jones have a hilarious exchange: “Shut up.”

AFC North Rankings: How the Steelers’ Week 13 win affects the division lead