The NFL fined receiver George Pickens for removing his helmet during play of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ most recent game, Christmas Day game against the Kansas City Chiefs.
According to the league, Pickens was docked $10,231 for his actions at the 10:05 mark of the fourth quarter. Pickens actually twice took off his helmet out of frustration at that time marker – first, when a third-down pass intended for him was tipped at the line of scrimmage to prevent what appeared as if it would be an easy catch. Then, Pickens and quarterback Russell Wilson were flagged for a false start on the ensuing fourth-down snap – evoking another demonstrative taking off of his helmet in apparent frustration.
The Steelers suffered their third consecutive loss in the game, 29-10, and Pickens finished with three catches for 50 yards.
This marks what is at least the sixth time this season the league has levied a fine at Pickens – two previous infractions came for grabbing an opponent’s facemask, one for taunting, once for a “violent gesture” (mimicking use of a gun) and once for a profane message on his eye black during an October game against the Dallas Cowboys.
Those known fines have cost Pickens a total of $68,038 this season.
Fine monies collected are donated to the Professional Athletes Foundation to support former players in need and the NFL Foundation to further support the health, safety and wellness of athletes across all levels, including youth football and the communities that support the game.
Incidentally, defensive back Jaden Hicks was fined for taunting Pickens during the same sequence Pickens removed his helmet. Hicks will submit $5,151 of his pay for standing over Pickens following a fourth-down incomplete pass intended for him.
Two other Chiefs were also fined $14,069 apiece for actions celebrating touchdowns during last week’s game at Acrisure Stadium: receiver Xavier Worthy miming a gun and tight end Travis Kelce the same amount for using the goalposts as a prop.
Kelce “dunked” the football over the goal posts in homage to Hall of Fame tight end Tony Gonzalez, whom he passed as the Chiefs’ career receiving touchdown leader with his score early in the fourth quarter. Formerly a basketball player, the after-TD dunk was Gonzalez’s trademark.