Season-Ending Suspension for Damontae Kazee
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee will not see the field again this NFL season following a suspension for a hit that led to a concussion of Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman. The play in question has sparked considerable debate around player safety and the enforcement of rules designed to protect players from dangerous plays.
A Violent Collision with Consequences
In a game that can turn on a single play, Kazee's hit was immediately flagged by officials, who deemed it a violation of the league’s stringent policies on hits to the head or neck area of a defenseless player. Jon Runyan, an executive in the NFL's disciplinary office, characterized the tackle as a "serious rule violation," indicating the league's commitment to player safety.
Kazee, known for his aggressive playing style, had already come under scrutiny this season prior to the incident. He had been fined five times for unnecessary roughness, with penalties totaling $59,030. This latest infraction, however, carries much more significant repercussions, both professionally and financially. The suspension is estimated to cost Kazee approximately $208,000 in lost salary.
Contractual Implications
The timing of the suspension is particularly unfortunate for Kazee, who is in the midst of his second season with the Steelers. He signed a two-year contract with the team, which included a $1.75 million signing bonus along with salaries of $1.25 million for 2023 and $3 million for 2024. While the financial impact is clear, the loss of Kazee's defensive presence may also be felt acutely by the Steelers in their remaining games.
Despite the setback, Kazee does have the option to appeal the suspension, a move that could potentially alter the course of action taken by the league if successful.
Coaching and Player Perspectives
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin came to Kazee's defense, stating emphatically that Kazee is "not a dirty player." Tomlin elaborated, suggesting that while the outcome was regrettable, the intent behind the hit was not malicious. "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.
Tom Brady, the legendary quarterback known for his outspoken views, weighed in on the broader issue of player safety, specifically targeting the role of quarterbacks in these situations. "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 argued. He continued, criticizing what he perceives as an imbalance in responsibility: "To put the blame on the defense 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 echoed Brady's sentiments regarding the challenges defensive players face under current NFL regulations. "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, highlighting the dilemma defensive players often find themselves in when attempting to make a legal play. "Playing deep safety in today's NFL where rules are made mostly by people who've never played is tough," he added, voicing frustration with the perceived disconnect between rulemakers and those who must abide by the rules on the field.
Looking Ahead
As the NFL continues to grapple with the balance between preserving the physical nature of football and ensuring the well-being of its players, incidents like Kazee's hit on Pittman serve as focal points in the ongoing discussion. The league's response to such events not only impacts the immediate futures of the players involved but also shapes the evolving landscape of professional football. As the season progresses without Kazee, the Steelers—and the NFL at large—will no doubt continue to scrutinize and refine the way the game is played and regulated.