The on-field referees did not throw any flags as Newsome and Pickens grappled and fought their way out of the back of the end zone on the Steelers’ Hail Mary attempt.

Based on the comments of head coach Mike Tomlin and quarterback Russell Wilson, it’s clear that Pittsburgh felt Newsome initiated the contact that led to this fourth quarter scuffle.

“I think, unfortunately, I believe [Pickens] was getting pushed out [of bounds] when he was trying to get to the spot,” Wilson said on November 27, backing his wide receiver. “So, it’s an unfortunate situation. He was trying to get to the spot where I threw it to, and he got carried out the end zone.”

Similarly, Tomlin hinted that he felt Newsome prevented Pickens from doing his job on that specific play.

And yet, with the game on the line, the NFL chose to overlook this incident. It’s not overly surprising that they “let the players play” in the final seconds, being that referees are often criticized for calling key penalties in crucial moments, but fines were expected.

For the league office to totally ignore this fight as if it didn’t happen — that’s a bit surprising.

Either way, the Steelers have already shifted their focus to the Week 13 matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals.