According to Cleveland Browns writer Mary Kay Cabot, the NFL is going to be investigating a fight at the end of the Pittsburgh 24-19 loss to the Browns on Thursday night. The fight happened between Steelers wide receiver George Pickens and Browns cornerback Greg Newsome at the end of the game.
“The NFL will review George Pickens instigating a fight with Browns cornerback Greg Newsome after the Hail Mary at the end of the Browns’ 24-19 upset of the Steelers, and a fine could be coming,” Cabot said.
After watching the play more times than I care to admit, I’m not at all convinced Pickens was the instigator of the scrum. It looks like Newsome is basically riding Pickens down the field the last 10 yards as the two are locked up and Pickens takes the offensive once the two are at the back of the end zone.
This in no way condones Pickens’ behavior on the play but we cannot rule out Newsome’s involvement. The problem is Pickens has become a problem and is on the NFL’s radar. The league could review his attempt to trip Cleveland safety Grant Delpit after a play and fine him for that move as well.