Browns CB Greg Newsome II seemingly fires back at George Pickens after TNF drama

Pittsburgh Steelers (8-3) receiver George Pickens engaged in an altercation with Cleveland Browns (3-8) cornerback Greg Newsome II following Pittsburgh’s Hail Mary attempt at the end of Thursday’s game.

The two were tangled together as they ran into the end zone during the play. As they went through the back of the end zone, Pickens appeared to sling Newsome towards the stands. The pair then fought on the ground before stadium personnel arrived to de-escalate the situation.

George Pickens had beef with Browns DB Greg Newsome and was held back by security after the Steelers TNF loss 😳

More: https://t.co/ISMbURRUt3pic.twitter.com/b163Tk71U6

— 5 GOATs (@5GOATs_) November 22, 2024

Newsome told ESPN after Cleveland’s 24-19 victory that Pickens is a “fake tough guy,” a message he reiterated later on social media.

Fake tough guy 😂😂😂

— Greg Newsome II (@gnewsii) November 22, 2024

George Pickens, Greg Newsome II involved in altercation on TNF

Things were indeed chippy in the snow between the two AFC North rivals, as they tend to be. Pickens was at the center of it and didn’t mince words after the game when discussing why the Steelers lost.

The Browns had lost seven of their last eight coming into the game. Pittsburgh came in riding a five-game winning streak, sitting atop the division. So, how did these Browns pull off the upset?

“Conditions played a huge, huge part in today’s game,” Pickens said. “I don’t really think the Cleveland Browns are a good team at all. I think the conditions kind of saved them today.”

Pickens finished with four receptions for 48 yards. He had an opportunity to come down with a late touchdown catch but couldn’t connect with quarterback Russell Wilson. Once again, Pickens cited the snow as an issue.

“The snow, the conditions were so bad,” Pickens said. “I don’t even think the QB could see sometimes. And when you got conditions like that, at the opponent’s home field, it kind of plays in their favor.”