Damontae Kazee Faces Season-Ending Suspension
The NFL has been rocked by the news that Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee will not return to the gridiron this season following a suspension. The disciplinary action comes as a result of Kazee's involvement in a play that left Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman with a concussion.
During the controversial play, Kazee was ejected for delivering a hit to the head or neck area of Pittman, who was deemed a defenseless player at the time—a clear violation of NFL rules designed to protect players from such dangerous impacts.
Serious Rule Violation
Jon Runyan, an NFL executive, characterized Kazee's hit as a "serious rule violation," highlighting the league's ongoing commitment to player safety. This incident is not an isolated one for Kazee, who has faced fines on five separate occasions throughout the season for unnecessary roughness, accumulating penalties worth $59,030.
As a consequence of his suspension, Kazee stands to lose approximately $208,000 in salary—a significant financial setback. Despite this, he retains the right to appeal the decision, a process that could potentially alter the outcome of his suspension.
Kazee's Contract and Financial Implications
Kazee is currently in the midst of a two-year contract with the Steelers, which includes a $1.75 million signing bonus. His contract outlines salaries of $1.25 million for the 2023 season and $3 million for the 2024 season. The suspension and its associated costs underscore the high stakes of adherence to the NFL's conduct standards.
Coaches and Players Weigh In
In defense of Kazee, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin described him as a player who does not embody the characteristics of someone who plays with malicious intent. "He's not a dirty player," Tomlin stated. He further elaborated on the nature of the incident, suggesting that despite Kazee's efforts to lower his target, the dynamics of the play resulted in an unfortunate outcome. Tomlin emphasized that Kazee does not aim to engage in the type of behavior that led to the suspension.
Tom Brady, the legendary quarterback known for his outspoken opinions, brought another perspective to the conversation. He pointed out that while it's distressing to see players get injured, the responsibility should not always fall on the defensive player. Brady criticized quarterbacks for making throws that expose their receivers to such hits, calling for better decision-making at the position.
"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!" Brady argued, shifting some of the discourse away from defenders like Kazee and onto the actions of offensive players.
Former NFL safety Mike Mitchell also chimed in with his thoughts on the challenges defensive players face in the current climate of the league. He lamented the difficulties of playing deep safety when many of the rules are established by individuals who have never played the game themselves. Mitchell suggested that the current rule set incentivizes wide receivers to dive for catches, thereby avoiding contact and ensuring completed passes—a tactic that could undermine the competitive balance of the sport.
Looking Forward
The NFL community continues to grapple with the tension between maintaining a high level of physical competition and ensuring the well-being of its players. Kazee's suspension serves as a stark reminder of the consequences that come with plays deemed excessively dangerous. As the league, coaches, and players navigate these complex issues, the debate over player safety versus the inherent risks of football remains at the forefront of professional sports discourse.
With Kazee's future participation in the season hanging in the balance, pending an appeal, the Steelers will have to adjust their defensive strategy accordingly. The broader implications of his suspension may also fuel further discussions about how the game is played and regulated, with potential changes looming on the horizon to further refine the balance between aggressive play and player safety.