Damontae Kazee Faces Season-Ending Suspension
In a significant blow to the Pittsburgh Steelers' defense, safety Damontae Kazee will not see any more action this NFL season following a suspension handed down by the league. The decision comes in the wake of a controversial play that resulted in a concussion for Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman.
The contentious incident occurred when Kazee delivered a hit to the head or neck area of Pittman, who was deemed a defenseless player at the time—a violation that the NFL takes very seriously. Jon Runyan, an executive with the NFL, characterized Kazee's hit as a "serious rule violation," highlighting the league's commitment to player safety and strict enforcement of its rules regarding hits to defenseless players.
History of Fines and Unnecessary Roughness
Kazee's aggressive style of play has come under scrutiny throughout the season. Prior to his suspension, he had been fined on five separate occasions for unnecessary roughness, accumulating penalties totaling $59,030. This pattern of behavior likely contributed to the severity of the current disciplinary action.
The financial repercussions for Kazee are substantial. With the suspension, he stands to lose approximately $208,000 in salary—a significant sum that underscores the costly nature of such infractions for professional athletes.
Kazee's Tenure with the Steelers
This is Kazee's second year with the Steelers, playing under a two-year contract that includes a $1.75 million signing bonus. His salaries are structured to be $1.25 million for the 2023 season and $3 million for the 2024 season. Despite the setback of his suspension, Kazee has the option to appeal the decision, a course of action often taken by players in similar situations.
Coaches and Players Weigh In
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin defended Kazee, stating emphatically that he does not consider him a dirty player. Tomlin suggested that the incident was unfortunate rather than malicious, saying, "Usually I talk about lowering the target. The target was low and both guys were going. It was just unfortunate. I know he is not a dirty player. He doesn't aspire to do some of the things that came to light under those circumstances."
Tomlin's sentiment was echoed in comments from other figures within the NFL community. Notably, legendary quarterback Tom Brady weighed in on the broader issue of player safety, emphasizing the role of quarterbacks in protecting their receivers. He pointed out that while nobody likes to see players get hurt, it is also crucial for quarterbacks to make responsible decisions to avoid placing their teammates in vulnerable positions. "To put the blame on the defense player all the time is just flat out wrong. Need better QB play!! It's not OK for QBs to get your WRs hit because of your bad decisions!" Brady argued.
Former NFL safety Mike Mitchell also offered his perspective, focusing on the challenges defensive players face in adhering to the rules designed to protect offensive players. He highlighted the difficulty in avoiding contact during plays, suggesting that wide receivers might as well "dive for every catch" to ensure no contact and a completed pass. Mitchell's comments reflect a common sentiment among defensive players who often feel the rules of the game are skewed against them.
Impact on the Steelers and the NFL
The absence of Kazee for the remainder of the season will undoubtedly impact the Steelers' defensive strategy. As they adjust to his loss, the incident serves as a reminder of the delicate balance the NFL seeks to maintain between the physical nature of football and the safety of its players. The debate over responsibility and the implementation of rules will continue to be a point of discussion among players, coaches, and fans alike.
As the conversation around player safety persists, Kazee's suspension may serve as a catalyst for further discussions about how the game is played and regulated. For now, the Steelers must prepare to move forward without one of their key defensive players, while Kazee awaits the outcome of any potential appeal.