Steelers Wide Receiver George Pickens Alludes To The Idea That Referees Rigged Bills’ Playoff Win Because NFL Is ‘Political’
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens is not happy with NFL officiating after his team’s Wild Card loss to the Buffalo Bills on Monday afternoon. He alluded to the idea that the referees might have rigged the game in favor of the home team because Josh Allen’s rematch against the Kansas City Chiefs will draw better ratings.
Pickens, a former second round NFL Draft pick out of Georgia, finished his second year in the league with 1,140 receiving yards and five touchdowns in 2023/24. It was a strong year despite consistent frustrations surrounding the Steelers offense.
Some of those issues boiled over during an angry tantrum during the playoffs that led Pickens to throw his helmet at the bench on the sideline.
Even though the team had its struggles, Pickens would have at least liked a fair chance.
In his eyes, the officials prevented Pittsburgh from having a chance to beat the Buffalo Bills.
Refs, refs, refs. That’s the only thing that’s really on my mind when it’s blatant like it was today.
— George Pickens
Pickens never directly said that the NFL was out to get him and the Steelers, but you can read between the lines.
“You are not gonna win a game when you have to play refs and the Buffalo Bills,” he said. “That’s really what I feel like happened to us today, to be honest.”
The 22-year-old spoke holistically to what he felt was poor officiating throughout all four quarters and referenced a few specific plays.
“When you’re out there trying to make the plays you are personally and then they just take away calls,” Pickens continued. “Throwing a clear pass over Myles Jack’s head. They called a P.I. It’s not catchable. So just, politically, when guys go back and watch the game, watch the refs.”
And then he dropped the line of the night.
“it’s got nothing to do with real ball or none of that. That’s the truth, bro. It’s the refs. The NFL is political.”
— George Pickens
It is very possible that the NFL could choose to fine George Pickens for his targeted comments toward officials. However, wouldn’t that only further prove his point if they try to silence him?
