Damontae Kazee Suspended for Season After Rule Violation
Season-Ending Suspension for Damontae Kazee
In a significant blow to the Pittsburgh Steelers' secondary, safety Damontae Kazee will not return to the gridiron this season following a suspension handed down by the NFL. The disciplinary action comes as a result of a hit that led to Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman suffering a concussion—a violation that has sparked considerable debate within the league and among fans.
Ejection and Rule Violation
Kazee was ejected from the game after officials determined his hit violated the NFL's rules against contact to the head or neck area of a defenseless player. Jon Runyan, an NFL executive, characterized Kazee's action as a "serious rule violation," underlining the league's commitment to player safety.
A History of Fines
This incident is not the first time Kazee has come under scrutiny for his aggressive style of play. Throughout the current season, he has been fined on five separate occasions for unnecessary roughness. These fines have amounted to a substantial sum of $59,030, reflecting the league's stance on such infractions.
Financial Consequences
The financial repercussions for Kazee extend beyond fines. His suspension carries with it a considerable cost, approximately $208,000 in forfeited salary. For a player in only his second season with the Steelers, this represents a significant financial setback.
Contractual Details
Kazee's tenure with the Steelers is defined by a two-year contract which includes a $1.75 million signing bonus. His salaries are structured to be $1.25 million for the year 2023 and escalate to $3 million in 2024. This contract reflects the team's initial confidence in his abilities and their investment in his future with the organization.
The Right to Appeal
While the suspension stands, Kazee retains the right to appeal the decision. This process allows him an opportunity to contest the severity of the punishment or argue mitigating circumstances in hopes of a reduced penalty.
Voices from the League
Jon Runyan expressed a clear stance on the matter, stating, "The illegal contact could have been avoided." This sentiment underscores the league's position that player safety should be paramount and that avoidable hits must be eliminated from the game.
Support from the Sidelines
Despite the punitive measures, Steelers' head coach Mike Tomlin came to Kazee's defense. He insisted that Kazee is "not a dirty player" and elaborated on the unfortunate nature of the event. "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,” said Tomlin.
Quarterback Perspective
Legendary quarterback Tom Brady weighed in on the broader implications of such incidents, pointing out the role of quarterbacks in these scenarios. "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 opined. He further criticized the tendency to blame defensive players exclusively, calling for "better QB play" and emphasizing that quarterbacks need to avoid making throws that put receivers at risk.
A Defender's Dilemma
Former NFL safety Mike Mitchell also offered his perspective, highlighting the challenges faced by defensive players in the modern NFL. "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 remarked sarcastically, indicating the difficult position defenders are put in by current rules. He added, "Playing deep safety in today's NFL where rules are made mostly by people who've never played is tough," alluding to the complexities of adapting to regulations set by those outside the experience of playing the game.
As the story unfolds and the appeals process potentially begins, the conversation around player safety, the responsibilities of quarterbacks, and the role of defensive players continues to evolve. The NFL finds itself balancing the physical nature of football with the imperative to protect its players—a challenge that remains at the forefront of the sport.
