Sun Oct 13 23:44:39 UTC 2024: ## Steelers’ Pickens Unaware of Eye Black Rule, Faces Potential Fine
**PITTSBURGH** – Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens has found himself in hot water after writing a message on his eye black during Sunday night’s game against the Dallas Cowboys. The message, which included an expletive, could result in a fine for the third-year pro.
Pickens claimed he was unaware of the NFL rule prohibiting players from writing messages on their eye black, stating he had “never seen (the rule) before.” He dismissed a 2015 incident where defensive tackle Cam Heyward was fined for writing his father’s nickname on his eye black, saying, “Years ago, when I wasn’t in the league?”
Pickens, who leads the Steelers in receptions and yards, had a frustrating night against the Cowboys, finishing with just 26 yards on three catches. He also drew a penalty for dragging Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis to the ground by the facemask and slammed his helmet after a scoreless possession.
Coach Mike Tomlin attributed Pickens’ reduced playing time to “load management” but the young receiver’s frustration was evident on the sideline, where he sat alone for extended periods in the second half.
The NFL has yet to issue any official word on a potential fine for Pickens, but the incident has added another layer of scrutiny to the talented but volatile receiver.
First Piper 