As a common thread running through the season, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens was fined $10,231 for removing his helmet in the fourth quarter of the team’s loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in Week 17 had.

The inciting incident occurred with 10:05 left in the fourth quarter after Pickens committed a false start on 4th-and-15 from the Kansas City 37-yard line. While players are usually penalized for taking their helmets on the field, Pickens escaped scot-free in this case despite being retroactively convicted of unsportsmanlike conduct and the resulting harm.

Russell Wilson targeted Pickens on Pittsburgh’s 4th-and-20 attempt, but the pass fell through as the Chiefs regained the lead 29-10 and secured their win from there.

Defensive back Jaden Hicks, who was in coverage during that sequence, was cited for taunting after standing over Pickens and giving him two thumbs down. As a result, he was fined $5,151.

Travis Kelce and Xavier Worthy were also fined $14,069 each for unsportsmanlike conduct for Kansas City.

After reportedly racking up over $200,000 in fines during the 2023 campaign, Pickens hasn’t let up in that regard this year either. From taking down Dallas Cowboys defenseman Jourdan Lewis to using profanity in his eyes, he repeatedly put himself in negative situations.

However, Pickens remains a key piece in Pittsburgh’s offense, having recorded 58 receptions for 900 yards and three touchdowns entering Week 18 despite missing the first three contests of his NFL career with a hamstring injury.

As long as he continues to perform, the Steelers will likely find ways to tolerate his behavior.

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