Even while he was still in Pittsburgh, it felt like no stone was left unturned to create now-Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens as the villain. Since the Steelers traded him, that hasn't stopped, and the most recent example was the outrage over him "not honoring" his commitment to attend a youth football camp in Pittsburgh after previously saying he would. TruEdge, the company hosting the camp, initially said it was a "disappointing lack of accountability and disregard for families and children." That didn't look good for Pickens, to be sure, but now the company has clarified that Pickens might not be all the way the villain they want him to be.
The company hosting the camp, which has since replaced Pickens with Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth, has released what can only be conceived as an apology. More importantly, they clarified that Pickens wasn't ghosting them or showing some malicious character but, rather, that he and his team stayed in communication while "navigating a significant career transition." Mike Fisher of Athlon Sports provided the full statement from TruEdge.
"Regrettably, the language used in our original message mischaracterized George [Pickens]'s intent and actions. While our frustrations stemmed from the uncertainty surrounding the event, it was never our intention to publicly question George’s professionalism, integrity, or commitment to the community. We now understand that the tone and implications of our message were not only inappropriate but inconsistent with our values as an organization. We recognize that he was navigating a significant career transition during this time and that his team kept open lines of communication with us."
So, as it turns out, the company released a reactionary initial statement with Pickens, then walked it back. That sure seems like the newest member of the Cowboys is quite vindicated in this situation, which was really the case it should've always been given the situation at hand.
George Pickens still hasn't shown the Cowboys a reason to worry
Since arriving in Dallas, the reception from Cowboys teammates and fans to Pickens has been categorically and unanimously positive. Not only are his on-field contributions opposite CeeDee Lamb getting fans excited, but the coaching staff has praised his eagerness to learn, his fire and his fit with this team already as well.
As such, when the news of the football camp no-show broke, it understandably did worry some Cowboys fans while Pittsburgh fans shouted "See!" at a player who gave them reason to think he was a headache while with the Steelers. Sure, the initial word from Pickens that he'd still honor the commitment only to eventually pull out isn't ideal, but at the same time, it's understandable. Immediately after the trade, how was the young pass-catcher to know what the rest of his offseason, one now likely being spent more than 1,200 miles away from Pittsburgh, was going to hold?
For TruEdge to now walk back their statement and, more importantly, provide the crucial details that Pickens' team remained in contact with them about the appearance vindicates the wide receiver. It should also ultimately maintain the Cowboys' and fans' faith in the new wide receiver in Dallas.
All told, there were undeniable issues with Pickens in Pittsburgh. At the same time, he was a young, immature wide receiver who was also under immense pressure. It shouldn't be shocking by the state of human nature to think that a 24-year-old is now growing into himself and maturing, and also that a change of scenery to Dallas is only helping that process.
One thing that's for sure, though, is that the whole drama around this youth football camp was probably overblown from the start, but that's now undeniable with what appears has actually happened with Pickens. It was really just a company upset that they lost their marquee appearance for the camp, not that the wide receiver had done them exceedingly dirty.