The Dallas Cowboys’ trade for George Pickens was not made without risk. It was a gamble, but a necessary one to bolster a lackluster wide receiver room behind star CeeDee Lamb and give Dak Prescott his first legitimate WR2 in years.

It will be on the Cowboys to harness Pickens’ immaturity and penchant for committing selfish acts on the football field. The hope is that Pickens getting out of Pittsburgh will lead to improved character. Being in a contract year should also incentivize him to keep his act together.

Unfortunately, Pickens has enraged Steelers fans after he backed out of hosting his George Pickens Youth Football Camp in Pittsburgh. Pickens had confirmed he would still attend ever being traded to Dallas, but decided not to participate four days ahead of time.

Cowboy WR George Pickens criticized for bailing on Pittsburgh youth football camp

The camp, put on by TrueEdge Sports, has been postponed until July. The company even got Steelers tight end Pat Freiermuth to step in as a last-minute replacement. It is also attempting to get other Steelers players to make an appearance.

It is unclear why Pickens did not follow through on his commitment. Regardless, it is hard to defend his actions.

It is one thing to bail on giving kids a moment they will never forget, but the lack of notice is another misstep that easily could have been avoided. A potential alternative would have been to cancel weeks ahead of time and ask one of his current or former teammates to replace him.

At that point, Pickens would have covered his bases. While it still wouldn’t have been a great optic to not show up to his own camp, at least he would have ensured the kids in attendance got a full experience.

The reporting reads that Pickens left the kids high and dry, which is just indefensible without knowing why he backed out.

Hopefully this ends with Pickens providing an explanation, apology and a gesture to make up for his absence. Until then, any and all backlash he receives is probably deserved.