Season-Ending Suspension for Damontae Kazee
The Pittsburgh Steelers will have to navigate the remainder of their season without safety Damontae Kazee, who has been handed a suspension that sidelines him for the year. The disciplinary action follows an incident in which Kazee delivered a hit on Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman, resulting in a concussion for the latter.
Such hits are particularly scrutinized under NFL regulations, which strictly prohibit contact to the head or neck area of a defenseless player. In this case, league official Jon Runyan did not mince words when characterizing the nature of Kazee's hit, labeling it as a "serious rule violation."
Kazee's aggressive play style has come under fire this season, with a tally of five fines for unnecessary roughness amounting to $59,030. The latest suspension adds a significant financial repercussion, costing the safety approximately $208,000 in lost salary.
Kazee's Contract and Appeal Rights
In his second season with the Steelers, Kazee is playing under a two-year contract. This deal includes a $1.75 million signing bonus, coupled with salaries of $1.25 million for the current year (2023) and an escalation to $3 million for the subsequent season (2024). Despite the setback of his suspension, Kazee retains the right to appeal the decision, a course of action that could potentially alter the outcome of his season.
Reactions from the Football Community
The incident and subsequent punishment have sparked comments from various figures within the football community. Jon Runyan expressed regret over the situation, stating, "The illegal contact could have been avoided," pointing to a possibility that the play could have unfolded differently.
Pittsburgh's head coach, Mike Tomlin, came to Kazee's defense, emphasizing the player's character and approach to the game. "He's not a dirty player," Tomlin said, adding context to the controversial play: "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."
Legendary quarterback Tom Brady weighed in on the broader issue of player safety, suggesting that quarterbacks share responsibility 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 argued. He further criticized the tendency to place blame solely on defensive players, calling for "better QB play" and condemning decisions that lead to receivers taking dangerous hits.
Former NFL safety Mike Mitchell also shared his perspective, highlighting the challenges defensive players face in the current climate. "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, underscoring the dilemma defenders encounter when trying to avoid penalties while still performing effectively. He added, "Playing deep safety in today's NFL where rules are made mostly by people who've never played is tough," pointing to a disconnect between rule-makers and the realities of the game.
Looking Ahead
As the Steelers recalibrate their defense in Kazee's absence, the debate surrounding player safety and the enforcement of NFL rules continues to unfold. With high-profile voices like Tomlin, Brady, and Mitchell weighing in, it becomes clear that balancing player safety with the integrity of the game remains a complex and evolving challenge.
For Kazee, the path forward hinges on the appeals process and how he navigates his return to the field in the face of this professional setback. Meanwhile, the Steelers organization, its fans, and the NFL at large will watch closely as this situation develops, serving as yet another chapter in the ongoing dialogue about the physical nature of professional football and the measures taken to protect those who play it.