NFL Announces Punishment Decision on Cowboys’ George Pickens
NFL games are jam-packed with excitement, but sometimes, things can get a bit too wild on the field. Players get caught up in the moment and do things they aren’t supposed to do. That was the case during the Dallas Cowboys‘ 33-16 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday, November 17, in Vegas.
Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens did the same move that was made by Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams the day prior, and as with Williams, he got handed an in-game penalty. During the first half of the game, Pickens scored a touchdown, and to celebrate, he jumped up and hugged the base of the goalposts. That action, by the NFL rules, gets a player an unsportsmanlike penalty, which is what Pickens got. Pickens finished the showdown with nine receptions, 144 yards and one touchdown, so it was a great performance for the wide receiver.
But, the story isn’t over. The NFL has made a decision on whether it’s going to punish Pickens more.
George Pickens of the Dallas Cowboys Gets Punished
The NFL hands down punishments to players every Saturday for actions taken during the previous week’s games. According to the league, that these actions are “to protect players from unnecessary risk and preserve competitive balance and game integrity.” As for the amount and kinds of punishments, the NFL and NFL Players Association agree on the set of game-related rules violations that may result in accountability measures.
The NFL sends out fines and punishments for actions that are deemed unsportsmanlike conduct, such as what Pickens did. And, on Saturday, Nov. 22, they announced that Pickens has to pay up.
In the league’s accountability report, they announced that Pickens will have to pay $26,085 for “use of prop” and “unsportsmanlike conduct.” In addition, DeMarvion Overshown was fined $8,166 for a “late hit” and “unnecessary roughness.” For what it’s worth, Williams was also fined. On Saturday, the NFL announced that they’re fining him $14,491 for “use of prop” and “unsportsmanlike conduct.”
Dallas Cowboys Player’s Fine Will Go to a Good Cause
The funds raised from the NFL fines, according to an official statement from the league, will go to the Professional Athletes Foundation to “support legends in need and the NFL Foundation to further support the health, safety and wellness of athletes across all levels, including youth football and the communities that support the game.”
Looking ahead, the Cowboys are 4-5-1 heading into their game against the 8-2 Eagles on Sunday, Nov. 22, at home. In the NFL’s predictions going into the game, their experts state that they “need to see this new version of the Cowboys compete with the NFC’s elite” before they can “buy into their chances of a turnaround in 2025.” They add that “If Vic Fangio’s suffocating defense relents at all, Dak Prescott could find an opening and exploit it. I’m just skeptical that the Cowboys have been transformed on the fly.”
The Dallas Cowboys have moved up in the NFL’s power rankings for Week 12. In the feature, published by Eric Edholm of the NFL’s website on Tuesday, November 18, the Cowboys are up three spots to No. 20.
Brian Baldinger’s Bold Take on Abdul Carter: "Tough Criticism Is the Key to Unlocking His Greatness"
In the high-pressure world of the NFL, criticism is part of the game, and for rookie linebacker Abdul Carter, the recent blunt words from veteran analyst Brian Baldinger are the wake-up call he needs to ignite his potential.
Carter, who was drafted by the New York Giants amid great expectations, has had a rocky start to his career. After being sidelined for a walk-through and failing to live up to the hype in his limited appearances on the field, Carter has faced scrutiny. Baldinger, no stranger to holding players accountable, didn’t mince words in his analysis of Carter’s performance: "If you took the name off Abdul Carter’s jersey, you’d think you were watching a guy trying to make the team, not a highly-touted rookie linebacker."
While the blunt critique may sting, Baldinger sees it as a necessary catalyst for growth. In a recent statement, Baldinger acknowledged that sometimes the toughest criticisms are the ones that spur players to elevate their game: “Abdul Carter is facing the music, but I believe he has the talent to rise above the noise. It’s time for him to channel this challenge into motivation and prove everyone wrong. This is just a bump in the road to greatness.”
Baldinger’s comments hit a chord with many in the NFL community. He believes that Carter’s lack of production this season is only temporary — a result of the early challenges every young player faces when adjusting to the speed and intensity of professional football. Yet, Baldinger is adamant that Carter’s potential is undeniable. "The hype doesn’t match the performance yet, but Carter has the ability to turn this around. He just needs to rise above the pressure and start making plays," Baldinger said.
For Carter, this may be his crucial turning point. The criticism, though harsh, comes with a message of hope and belief in his abilities. If he can take the feedback to heart, it could propel him to the level expected of him as a high draft pick. The Giants and their fanbase are hopeful that the linebacker will use this moment to unlock his true potential and become the defensive powerhouse the team envisioned when they selected him.
The road to greatness is never a straight line, and Abdul Carter’s journey is just beginning. As Baldinger points out, this could very well be the beginning of Carter’s rise — provided he takes the tough lessons and uses them as fuel to drive his future success.
