Company walks back 'inappropriate' criticism of Cowboys WR George Pickens over youth camp

USA Today

a day ago

The company organizing the George Pickens Youth Football Camp has walked back its criticism of the former Steelers receiver for canceling his participation at the event.
Headlines out of Pittsburgh on Thursday blasted the often-mercurial wideout for backing out of the camp, a commitment he reportedly said he would honor even after being traded to the Cowboys in early May. But in an email sent to the families of camp registrants earlier this week, the company was rather colorful in explaining how Pickens had "decided to walk back on his word" and went on to trash him for his "disappointing lack of accountability" and "disregard for the families and children who were excited to meet him."
Now TruEdge Sports calls the tone of that email "inappropriate" and says their statement "did not accurately reflect the full scope of communication or the context surrounding the event."
The company has revealed that it was communication only with Pickens's representatives- and not with Pickens himself- that "led to confusion about the camp's status and future direction."
News of Pickens's cancellation- breaking just a couple days before the camp was to be held- made the development seem like the receiver was flaking out at the last minute, but according to their own email, TruEdge actually learned of the change in plans sometime the previous week.
That did not stop the company from painting Pickens as the irresponsible party who had left everyone high and dry with next to no warning, a suggestion they now say they regret.
"Regrettably, the language used in our original message mischaracterized George's original 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."
Pickens has been working with his new Cowboys teammates as part of the official offseason program and was also spotted in social media posts just this week as being one of the offensive playmakers attending quarterback Dak Prescott's annual retreat.
In its follow-up email to camp attendees, TruEdge acknowledges that the 24-year-old, who is entering a contract year, has been "navigating a significant career transition during this time and that his team kept open lines of communication with us."
The camp has been rescheduled for July 20 in Pittsburgh, with other Steelers players vowing to attend in Pickens's place.
That will be the day Pickens and his new Cowboys teammates report to training camp in Oxnard, Calif.
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