Steelers’ George Pickens channel for Marshawn Lynch: ‘I’m here not to get fined’

George Pickens was not in a generous mood during his press session inside the Pittsburgh Steelers locker room the day after Thanksgiving.

Instead of providing reporters with thoughtful or insightful answers to their questions, the third-year receiver sent former NFL running back Marshawn Lynch’s viral moment at Super Bowl XLIX press day in 2015.

Pickens repeatedly replied, “I’m here not to be fined,” as reporters directed questions at the 23-year-old.

CLICK HERE TO WATCH ONE OF THE GAMES ON FOXNEWS.COM

One of the questions directed at Pickens focused on whether the receiver had heard from the NFL about any possible punishment for his involvement in the brawl at the end of last week’s game against the Cleveland Browns, which the Steelers lost 24-19.

“I’m just here and I won’t be fined,” he said again.

UNC ‘REACHES’ STEELERS OC ARTHUR SMITH FOR HEAD COACHING OPENING

On the final play of the game, Steelers linebacker Russell Wilson threw a Hail Mary toward the end zone. Pickens was in zone for the pass, but Browns cornerback Greg Newsome II was guarding him and pulled the wide receiver out of the play.

Cameras missed the start of what appeared to be a scuffle, but a quick pan appeared to show Pickens and Newsome grappling near the stands. The camera then shows Pickens being restrained by two members of the stadium security near the seats. One fan even grabbed Pickens’ arm, leading to speculation that the player was getting into it with the fans.

Pittsburgh Steelers’ George Pickens watches from the sidelines during the game against the Tennessee Titans at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on Nov. 2, 2023. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

Immediately after the Steelers’ dramatic loss inside a snowy home field, Pickens laid the blame on the game’s weather. “Conditions played a big, big role in today’s game. I don’t think the Cleveland Browns are a good team at all,” he told reporters. “I think the circumstances saved them today.”

“The snow, the conditions were terrible,” he continued. “I don’t even think the QB can see sometimes. And when you get situations like that, on the opponent’s home field, it’s like playing in their favor.”

The ice started in the second half of the game. While the weather was something both teams had to deal with, Pickens’ assertion suggests the Steelers fell to 8-3 due to snow and wind.

Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver George Pickens targets a Cincinnati Bengals quarterback during a game at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh on Dec. 23, 2023. (Mark Alberti/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Friday’s interviews weren’t the first time this season that Pickens has shown he doesn’t like to interact with the media.

In October, Pickens came under scrutiny after he wore eye black during a game that featured a profanity. The black line of eyes, which stretched under his eyes, said, “turn on the f—ing.”

NFL policy prohibits players from adding messages to black eyes during games, but the rule apparently wasn’t on Pickens’ radar. “I have never seen (the law) before,” he said when asked if he knew the policy of this unit that affects black people. “Have you seen it before?”

CLICK HERE FOR THE NEWS PROGRAM

The reporter then mentions the fine Steelers linebacker Cam Heyward had to pay in 2015 when he wrote his father’s nickname on his black eye. Heyward’s father, Craig, played in the NFL from 1988-1998 and went by the nickname “Ironhead.”

Pickens scoffed at his teammate’s penalty, saying, “Years ago, when I was out of the league? So, no.”

The Steelers will look to solidify their place at the top of the AFC North when they take on the Cincinnati Bengals on Sunday.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on Xand register at Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.