FRISCO, Texas – Dallas Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer plans to speak with George Pickens about a recent social media post he made after receiving criticism from former All-Pro cornerback Richard Sherman.
Schottenheimer is aware of the situation and mentioned that he hasn’t talked to Pickens yet but will soon. “It’s something we deal with in this profession,” he said.
Sherman criticized Pickens during the Cowboys’ loss to the Detroit Lions, describing him as “uninterested” and “disengaged.” In that game, Pickens caught five passes for only 37 yards, marking his first game this season without a catch of more than ten yards.
After the game, Pickens defended himself, suggesting that Sherman should understand the type of coverage he faced, especially after teammate CeeDee Lamb left the game due to a concussion.
In a follow-up post, Pickens remarked on Sherman’s comments and called out his former achievements, stating, “it’s funny cause I thought former players would know that,” and added that Sherman “AIN’T SHH WITHOUT THE LEGION OF BOOM,” referencing Sherman’s successful stint with a standout defensive unit in Seattle.
Schottenheimer rewatched the game and disagreed with Sherman’s assessment of Pickens’ effort. “I’m going to judge George on his body of work,” he stated. Pickens has shown himself to be an elite player, with career highs this season in catches (78), receiving yards (1,179), and touchdowns (eight), ranking in the NFL top ten.
Lamb, before his injury, had a strong performance with six catches for 121 yards. He is currently in concussion protocol, but Schottenheimer expressed hope that the extra days before their next game on December 14 will aid in his recovery.
### Recent Trends in Player Criticism
This incident reflects a growing trend in the NFL where players engage in social media disputes after being called out. A 2023 survey from the Sports Management Institute noted that 75% of athletes believe social media significantly influences public perception of their performance. This shift has reshaped how athletes interact with fans and media, often leading to fiery exchanges online.
Such exchanges highlight the risks athletes face in the digital age, where criticism can travel faster than ever and sometimes prompt impulsive reactions. With mental health in sports becoming a topic of increasing concern, conversations around the impact of social media on player well-being are more relevant than ever.
As the Cowboys prepare for their next matchup, all eyes will be on how Pickens and Lamb recover and refocus after this challenging game.
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