The AFC North is buzzing with trash talk following the Cleveland Browns' 24–19 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday night at Huntington Bank Stadium.
A few hours after the Steelers' Hail Mary attempt in the closing seconds was swatted to the ground and Cleveland secured its third win of the 2024 campaign, Browns defensive back Greg Newsome II appeared to take a shot at Pickens on social media.
"Fake tough guy," Newsome posted with a few laughing emojis.
Fake tough guy 😂😂😂
— Greg Newsome II (@gnewsii) November 22, 2024
While Newsome never mentioned Pickens in his post, it's pretty easy to assume he's referencing the Steelers third-year receiver based on the game's final play. Defended closely on the Hail Mary attempt, Pickens had his hands tangled up in Newsome's face mask and helmet as the football was batted down onto the snowy field.
The two players continued shoving one another behind the end zone after the play ended, a confrontation that led to Pickens being held back by an official and field security near the stands.
The Browns hung on to beat the Steelers in the snow.
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) November 22, 2024
George Pickens got into it with Greg Newsome next to the stands in Cleveland as the game ended and was held back by security.
Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit with the call for Amazon Prime Video. 🏈🎙️🌨️ #NFL #TNF pic.twitter.com/A8ej27F9cw
Pickens, who caught four passes for 48 yards against Cleveland, didn't pull any punches in his postgame comments, either.
"Conditions played a huge, huge part in today's game," Pickens said after the game. "I don't really think the Cleveland Browns are a good team at all. I think the conditions saved them today."
Now that's the AFC North football we know and love.
The good news? Pickens and Newsome get to sort out their beef in just two weeks when the Browns visit the Steelers at Acrisure Stadium on Dec. 8.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Greg Newsome II Appears to Slander George Pickens After Browns' Heated Win vs. Steelers.
