Georgia freshman receiver George Pickens ejected after fight in Georgia Tech game

Georgia freshman wide receiver George Pickens was ejected in the third quarter of its contest with Georgia Tech.

After a 9-yard touchdown completion to fellow freshman Dominick Blaylock, Pickens engaged in a fight in the far left corner of the end zone. A mob of players from each team gathered, then Pickens exchanged punches with Georgia Tech defensive back Tre Swilling. Pickens then threw Swilling up against the padding in a repetitive sequence.

Smart said Pickens was suspended for the first half due to a “violation of team rules,” prior to the ejection occurring. Smart was then disappointed upon seeing the fight and ejection occur.

“Don’t be stupid,” Smart said. “It’s just silly. It’s selfish. It’s undisciplined. He gave up an opportunity for what we have next week … Over what? I ask these guys, ‘Was it worth it?’ It’s not worth it to me when it hurts the team.”

Although Pickens endured a sequence of suspensions, Smart sees it as a unique situation requiring a growth period. He didn’t call the freshman a bad guy, but instead says he “loves George.” Linebacker Monty Rice was direct in explaining the situation, too, and Pickens’ teammates plan to keep him accountable.

Pickens hauled in a 41-yard touchdown pass earlier in the quarter, and leads the Bulldogs in receiving touchdowns with six. He did not play in the first half after an assumed suspension, although no official word was given by head coach Kirby Smart.

Pickens will miss the first half of the SEC Championship game on Dec. 7. He was called for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. Pickens has recorded 498 yards on the season.

This story was originally published November 30, 2019 at 2:52 PM.