Suspension Sidelines Kazee for Season
In a significant blow to the Pittsburgh Steelers' defensive lineup, safety Damontae Kazee will not return to the field this season following a suspension handed down by the NFL. The decision comes in the wake of a controversial play that resulted in Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman suffering a concussion.
Controversial Hit Leads to Ejection and Suspension
Kazee's ejection from the game was prompted by a hit deemed by officials as excessively dangerous, targeting the head or neck area of a defenseless player—a violation taken seriously within the league to protect player safety. The NFL's Vice President of Football Operations, Jon Runyan, characterized the hit as a "serious rule violation," underscoring the league's commitment to enforcing its safety protocols.
This is not the first instance of Kazee attracting the league's scrutiny; the safety has been fined five times during the current season for unnecessary roughness, with penalties amounting to $59,030. This latest incident, however, carries a much steeper consequence, costing Kazee approximately $208,000 in lost salary.
Kazee's Financial and Professional Impact
The financial repercussions extend beyond fines and lost wages. Kazee, who is in his second year of a two-year contract with the Steelers, had secured a deal inclusive of a $1.75 million signing bonus, with annual salaries of $1.25 million for 2023 and an increase to $3 million for the 2024 season. Despite the setback, Kazee retains the right to appeal the suspension, a move that could potentially alter the course of action taken by the league.
Support from Steelers' Camp
Despite the harsh penalty, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin defended his player, stating emphatically that Kazee is "not a dirty player." Tomlin elaborated on the circumstances leading to the incident, suggesting that both players were actively engaged and that the resulting contact was unfortunate rather than malicious. He emphasized that Kazee does not have intentions reflective of the outcomes that have brought him under scrutiny.
Brady and Mitchell Weigh In
The debate over responsibility and safety in football extends beyond the incident involving Kazee and Pittman. Legendary quarterback Tom Brady weighed in, pointing out the role quarterbacks play in protecting their receivers. According to Brady, it is incumbent upon quarterbacks to make better decisions and avoid placing teammates in vulnerable positions where they could sustain serious injuries due to hard hits.
Brady's sentiment was echoed by former safety Mike Mitchell, who highlighted the challenges defensive players face in the current NFL landscape, which is governed by rules set largely by those without playing experience. Mitchell also made a tongue-in-cheek suggestion that wide receivers might as well dive for every catch to ensure no contact occurs, a statement that underscores the frustration felt by defensive players regarding the stringent enforcement of rules on physical contact.
Looking Ahead
The Steelers will have to navigate the remainder of the season without Kazee patrolling the secondary, a task made more challenging by his absence. As debates continue over player safety, the roles of various parties in preventing injuries, and the fairness of the rules governing the sport, the NFL remains steadfast in its commitment to player safety, even as it faces criticism from players and coaches alike for the perceived imbalance between offensive and defensive protections.
As the conversation around these hits and injuries continues, the league, teams, and players must grapple with the inherent risks of a contact sport and the measures necessary to mitigate them, all while maintaining the competitive integrity and appeal of the game. Kazee's suspension serves as a reminder of the fine line players walk each Sunday and the consequences that can follow in the blink of an eye.