Suspension Sidelines Steelers' Safety Damontae Kazee for Season
In a significant blow to the Pittsburgh Steelers' defense, safety Damontae Kazee will not participate further in the current NFL season following a suspension. The decision comes after an incident in which Kazee was ejected for a hit that left Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman with a concussion.
Controversial Hit Leads to Ejection and Suspension
The play in question drew immediate attention, as hits to the head or neck area of a defenseless player are strictly prohibited under NFL rules. Jon Runyan, an official within the NFL, characterized Kazee's action as a grave violation of these regulations. This is not the first instance of Kazee's physical style of play drawing scrutiny; throughout the season, he has accrued fines on five separate occasions for unnecessary roughness, amounting to $59,030.
The financial repercussions of his suspension are substantial, with Kazee set to forfeit approximately $208,000 in salary. Despite this setback, he retains the right to appeal the suspension.
Kazee's Contract and Financial Implications
Kazee, who is currently in the second year of his tenure with the Steelers, is playing under a two-year contract. This deal includes a $1.75 million signing bonus and stipulates salaries of $1.25 million for 2023 and $3 million for the subsequent year, 2024.
Coaches and Players Weigh In
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin came to the defense of his player, insisting that Kazee is not a dirty player. He elaborated on the nature of the collision, suggesting that while both players were actively engaged, the outcome was simply unfortunate. Tomlin emphasized that Kazee does not intentionally engage in the kind of conduct that resulted from the play in question.
Legendary quarterback Tom Brady also contributed to the discourse, highlighting the inherent risks in football, particularly when it comes to hard hits. While acknowledging the undesirability of injuries, Brady suggested that quarterbacks should avoid making throws that put their receivers in vulnerable positions. He argued that blaming defensive players exclusively is unjust and called for better decision-making by quarterbacks.
Former NFL safety Mike Mitchell echoed Brady's sentiments, pointing out the challenges faced by defensive players, especially safeties, in navigating the contemporary NFL's rulebook. Mitchell's comments suggest a belief that the rules are often established without sufficient input from those with firsthand experience on the field.
Impact on the Steelers and the NFL
The absence of Kazee for the remainder of the season presents a challenge for the Steelers, who will have to adjust their defensive strategy without one of their key secondary members. The situation also reignites ongoing discussions about player safety, the role of league rules, and the responsibilities of offensive players—particularly quarterbacks—in protecting their teammates.
As the NFL continues to evolve its approach to player safety, incidents like the one involving Kazee and Pittman serve as catalysts for debate among players, coaches, and fans alike. The balance between maintaining the physical essence of football and ensuring the well-being of its players remains a contentious and complex issue.
With the appeal process available to him, the final chapter of Kazee's 2023 season has yet to be written. Regardless of the outcome, this incident will likely be referenced in future discussions about the NFL's safety protocols and the rules governing on-field conduct.
For now, the Steelers must look ahead to the rest of the season, finding ways to compensate for the loss of Kazee's presence on the field, while the league and its stakeholders continue to grapple with the ever-present question of how best to protect its players without compromising the integrity of the game.