Suspension Sidelines Damontae Kazee for Season
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee will not see the gridiron again this season after the NFL handed down a suspension following a controversial play. The league has taken a firm stance against hits that endanger player safety, and Kazee's recent on-field actions have caught up with him, resulting in an enforced hiatus from the sport.
The Hit That Led to Suspension
In a game that had significant implications for both teams involved, Kazee was ejected after delivering a hit that left Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman with a concussion. The nature of the collision, which occurred in the head or neck area of a defenseless player, is precisely the type of conduct the NFL has been trying to eliminate from the game.
NFL Vice President of Football Operations, Jon Runyan, characterized Kazee's hit as a "serious rule violation," underscoring the league's commitment to player safety. This incident marks a continuation of concerns regarding Kazee's style of play, as he has accrued fines five times over the course of the season for unnecessary roughness, amounting to $59,030.
Financial Repercussions
The consequences of Kazee's suspension are substantial, not only for team dynamics but also for his earnings. The safety stands to lose approximately $208,000 in salary due to the suspension. In the context of his current contract with the Steelers, which includes a $1.75 million signing bonus along with salaries of $1.25 million for 2023 and $3 million for 2024, this financial hit is non-trivial.
While the option to appeal the suspension remains available to Kazee, the process and potential outcomes of such an appeal remain uncertain at this time.
Responses from the Football Community
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin came to Kazee's defense, asserting that his player is not known for playing dirty. Tomlin elaborated by 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 by none other than quarterback legend Tom Brady, who shifted some of the conversation onto quarterbacks' responsibilities. Brady highlighted the role of quarterbacks in protecting their receivers, implying that better judgment and decision-making could prevent such incidents. "Nobody likes seeing players hurt. But hard hits happen. QBs should not be throwing the ball in areas where they are exposing their own teammates to these types of hits," Brady commented, later adding, "To put the blame on the defensive 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!"
Former NFL safety Mike Mitchell weighed in on the discussion, focusing on the challenges defensive players face in the current climate of the NFL. Mitchell pointed out the difficulties of playing deep safety when many rules seem to be made without the input of those who have played the game. "I guess just let them catch it. If I were a WR, I would dive for every catch. That would ensure no contact and a completed pass," Mitchell stated, offering a glimpse into the frustration felt by defensive players navigating the evolving landscape of NFL rules.
Looking Ahead
As the Steelers move forward without Kazee, the debate surrounding player safety versus the physical nature of football continues. The NFL's efforts to reduce head injuries are juxtaposed against the inherent risks of a high-contact sport. This latest incident serves as another flashpoint in the ongoing dialogue between ensuring the well-being of players and preserving the competitive spirit and traditional toughness associated with football.
With the season progressing and playoffs on the horizon, teams and fans alike will be watching closely to see how enforcement of safety rules and player conduct evolves, and what impact it may have on the future of the game.