Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens blasted the officiating after his team’s season-ending loss to the Buffalo Bills.
Pickens was seen fuming on the sidelines at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y. as the Steelers trailed 31-17 with less than five minutes to go in the contest.
The play prior is what had Pickens riled up. The Steelers had fourth-and-3 at their own 32 with Pittsburgh’s season virtually hanging in the balance.
Quarterback Mason Rudolph’s pass to Pickens on a slant route was incomplete. The second-year pro was incensed that there was no pass interference called against Bills cornerback Dane Jackson.
Pickens remained critical of the officiating after the game. The Steelers wideout claimed that the refs were on the Bills’ side given the “blatant” calls and non-calls that went in Buffalo’s favor.
“Refs, refs, refs. That’s the only thing that’s really on my mind when [the missed calls are] blatant. … You’re not going to win a game when you’ve got to play the refs and the Buffalo Bills,” said Pickens.
Pickens caught five passes for 50 yards and no touchdowns in the contest.
Pickens was far from the only Steeler who turned heads while speaking to the press. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin walked out on his press conference before one reporter could even finish her question.
More must-reads: