Steelers' Pickens rips referees after team’s playoff loss

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) outs runs a tackle attempt by Buffalo Bills safety Micah Hyde (23) in the second half in a AFC wild-card game at Highmark Stadium. Mark Koneznyi-USA TODAY Sports

Steelers WR George Pickens rips referees after team’s playoff loss

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports
By Renzo Pocholo Salao | Last updated 1/15/24

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.

George Pickens was looking for a call pic.twitter.com/iz8QjCp15s

— NFL on CBS (@NFLonCBS) January 16, 2024

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.

Here’s what is sure to be a controversial call. Looks like the officials let the players play on Dane Jackson’s physical play on fourth down. It’s … a bad no-call.#Bills #Steelers pic.twitter.com/TFFeFFfAbD

— Henry McKenna (@henrycmckenna) January 16, 2024

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.

George Pickens absolutely blasts the refs for multiple calls tonight.

“You’re not gonna win a game when you play the refs and the Buffalo Bills. That’s really I feel like happened to us today, to be honest” pic.twitter.com/5v17Y6xe95

— Nick Farabaugh (@FarabaughFB) January 16, 2024

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.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: