5 days ago
9
Former Steelers star George Pickens has sparked outrage after cancelling a scheduled visit to a children's football camp in Pittsburgh at the very last minute.
Pickens, who was traded to the Dallas Cowboys back in May, had arranged the appearance through youth camp organizers TruEdge Sports before his Pittsburgh exit earlier this year.
TruEdge Sports claim to have reached out to his management after the trade, only to be reassured that he would still 'honor his commitment to the event' on June 28 at Highmark Stadium in Pittsburgh's Station Square despite his move to Dallas.
However, the company has now informed parents who bought tickets for their kids that the wide receiver is no longer attending after dropping out three days before the event.
'As many of you know, George Pickens was traded to the Dallas Cowboys on May 7,' TruEdge Sports wrote in an email to ticket holders.
'Immediately following the trade, our team contacted George's representation to confirm whether he would still honor his commitment to the Pittsburgh event. We were promptly assured that George remained committed to the camp and intended to show up for the families who had registered. Based on that confirmation, we communicated this directly to you via email and text on May 9.
Ex-Steelers star George Pickens has sparked fury after cancelling a trip to a kids football camp
Pickens, who was traded by Pittsburgh to the Dallas Cowboys in May, confirmed after his move that he would still be attending the event on June 28
WOW! 🤯🤯🤯
George Pickens bailed on his sold-out youth camp at Highmark Stadium.
Said he’d go after the trade — then backed out.
But last minute Pat Freiermuth stepped up.
Wasn’t his camp or his job — but he showed up anyway.
That’s a Steeler#NFL #Steelers pic.twitter.com/rySFAwdol3
'Unfortunately, as of last week, TruEdge was notified by George's team that he has decided to walk back on his word and is no longer interested in attending the camp. Let us be very clear: we are deeply frustrated by this decision and the position it has placed all of us in.'
The group then took a furious swipe at Pickens for letting children who are set to attend the event down just days before, having been offered the chance to back out months ago.
'Our team at TruEdge was fully prepared to host a camp this Saturday because we were led to believe George would follow through on his commitment. His sudden decision to back out not only reflects a disappointing lack of accountability, but also shows a disregard for the families and children who were excited to meet him,' the email continued.
'We are incredibly disappointed by his actions and his actions do not express the goals or motives of TruEdge Sports.'
Fans have also hit out at the 24-year-old on social media, branding him 'selfish' and 'immature' for pulling out of the youth camp at the last minute.
One user commented on X: 'What a jerk.'
Another put: 'Guy has zero class'.
'I get that George may be upset with the team, but its no excuse to back out on the kids like that,' said a third. 'Those are people who look up to him.'
The wide receiver spent three seasons with the Steelers before heading to Dallas in May
'For those of you who still defend George Pickens and miss him in Pittsburgh, read this. This shows how selfish and immature he truly is,' wrote a fourth.
While one simply posted: 'I'm not surprised by this one bit'.
In Pickens' place, Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth will now be stepping up and making an appearance at the event on Saturday.
TruEdge Sports have offered refunds to fans who purchased tickets in the hope of Pickens being there.
The former Georgia star spent three seasons in Pittsburgh before being traded to Dallas in May.
After being picked by the Steelers in the second round of the 2022 draft, he is now in the final season of his rookie contract.
Pickens had 59 catches for 900 yards and three touchdowns under Mike Tomlin last season, while he also registered at least 50 receptions, 800 yards and three touchdowns in each of his three seasons with Pittsburgh.
