The NFL will investigate a dispute at the end of Pittsburgh's 24-19 loss to the Browns on Thursday night, according to Cleveland Browns writer Mary Kay Cabot. The fight occurred at the end of the game between Steelers wide receiver George Pickens and Browns cornerback Greg Newsome.
“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 loss to the Steelers and could face a fine,” Cabot said.
Having seen the play more times than I care to admit, I'm not at all convinced that Pickens was the instigator of the scrum. It looks like Newsome is basically driving Pickens the last 10 yards down the field, as the two are locked in and Pickens goes on offense once the two are at the end zone.
This in no way excuses Pickens' behavior in the play, but we cannot rule out Newsome's involvement. The problem is that Pickens has become a problem and is on the NFL's radar. The league could review his attempt to bring down Cleveland safety Grant Delpit after a play and fine him for that move as well.