George Pickens wore black for expensive eyes last week.
The Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver was fined $10,231 by the NFL on Saturday for displaying a “personal message” over his black eye during last week’s game against the Dallas Cowboys, according to NFL’s Tom Pelissero Network.
That message was, of course, “Open F***ing Always.”
Pickens was also would have was fined $10,230 for a mask-wearing penalty against the Cowboys, bringing his total bill for the game to $20,461. His actual performance in the game: three catches on seven targets for 26 yards.
It should be noted that the explicit nature of Pickens’ black eyes is not the reason a fine was specifically imposed, although it almost certainly helped bring the matter to the attention of the NFL. NFL rules prohibit players from “wearing, displaying or otherwise transmitting personal messages, whether in writing or by illustration, unless such message has been approved in advance by the NFL’s office.” the League”.
Obviously, the blackness of Pickens’ eyes was not approved in advance by the league office.
Pickens has yet to throw a touchdown this season, his third with the Steelers. He had his first career 1,000-yard season last year and is on pace to reach the threshold again, but against the Cowboys he only saw the field for 34 snaps, his most total bottom of the year.
The Steelers’ 20-17 loss to Dallas was their second straight loss, bringing their record to 3-2 and putting them tied with the Baltimore Ravens atop the AFC North.
