FRISCO - Though he's no longer a member of the Steelers, George Pickens just ran an "out" route on the city of Pittsburgh.
Pickens, the talented-but-temperamental receiver who was traded to the Dallas Cowboys May 7, long ago agreed to host a youth football camp this summer in Pittsburgh. Immediately after the trade, organizers of his George Pickens Youth Football Camp say they reached out to him to confirm his attendance despite no longer playing for the Steelers.
The company, TruEdge, says "we were promptly assured that George remained committed to the camp and intended to show up for the families that registered."
But recently - last week, in fact - that apparently changed. The camp was scheduled for Saturday, but Pickens is backing out. The decision has left TruEdge mad, and scrambling to save the event.
"We have been notified that George has walked back on his word," TruEdge said in an email to those registered for the camp. The company continues that it is "deeply frustrated" about the "sudden decision" and about Pickens' "disappointing lack of accountability disregard for families and children."
The company also organizes summer camps for NFL players Tyrone Tracy of the New York Giants and Calvin Ridley of the Tennessee Titans.
In response to Pickens' decision, TruEdge has rescheduled the camp for July 20 and recruited Steelers' tight end Pat Freiermuth to host the event.
The Cowboys are confident they traded for an elite receiver who will give quarterback Dak Prescott a No. 2 option behind CeeDee Lamb. But, judging by the comments to TruEdge's email, Steelers fans seem happier than ever than to be rid of Pickens' petulant behavior and controversial decision-making.
For a player already dealing with a reputation of being selfish and narcissistic, this is a bad look.