Stephen A. Smith responds to George Pickens’ locker room “overreaction”

George Pickens, at times, has shown playmaking ability on the level of Antonio Brown. However, he has also shown the ability to walk out like him. While speaking to reporters this week, Pickens walked out on an interview after learning that Russell Wilson allegedly said he and Pickens weren't on the same page.

[00:00:26] "You said me and Russell wasn't on the same page?" Pickens asked.

"Yeah, well, that's what he said," the reporter said.

"That's what he said? or that's what you said," Pickens asked.

"Yeah [Wilson said it]," the reporter responded.

"'That's what he said,'" Pickens muttered to himself, putting on his facemask and walking out on the interview. [00:00:32]

Speaking on Friday's edition of "First Take," Stephen A. Smith claimed that Pickens had given a "complete overreaction" to the information.

[00:00:57] "It's not a big deal to hear that you're not on the same page. It's a complete overreaction on his part to like put on his face mask or whatever and walk away from the reporters because you just added fuel to it," he said.

Of course, he isn't the first Pittsburgh Steelers member to walk out of a meeting with the press in the past 12 months. Head coach Mike Tomlin walked out of a press conference last season when asked about his contract.

George Pickens hits December wall

George Pickens at Pittsburgh Steelers v Cleveland Browns - Source: Getty

The Steelers wide receiver had been a mid-season star, piling up highlights and positive press with Russell Wilson. However, once the snow started falling in December, his production did as well.

The receiver was present for just one game following Dec. 2. In the game on Christmas against the Kansas City Chiefs, he logged just three catches for 50 yards.

Of course, George Pickens' absence in December can largely be attributed to a hamstring injury that knocked him out of three games, per Draft Sharks. However, when he returned to the lineup in a must-win game, the Steelers receiver was far from the savior against Patrick Mahomes.

Now, as the team heads into a Week 18 game that could determine the AFC North, Pickens once again might hold the division quite literally in his hands. Will the receiver rise to the moment?

If any of the above quotes are used, credit "First Take" and H/T Sportskeeda.