Season-Ending Suspension for Damontae Kazee
The Pittsburgh Steelers' safety, Damontae Kazee, faces a season-ending suspension following an incident that occurred in a recent game against the Indianapolis Colts. The NFL has determined that Kazee's actions, which led to Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman sustaining a concussion, were in violation of league rules protecting defenseless players from hits to the head or neck area.
NFL Vice President of Football Operations, Jon Runyan, characterized Kazee's hit as a "serious rule violation," emphasizing the league's commitment to player safety and the enforcement of regulations designed to prevent such injuries. This latest development adds to Kazee's history of penalties this season, with five fines already imposed on him for unnecessary roughness, accumulating to $59,030.
The financial repercussions for Kazee are significant. His suspension will result in approximately $208,000 in lost salary. Kazee is currently in his second year of a contract with the Steelers, which includes a $1.75 million signing bonus, with annual salaries of $1.25 million for 2023 and $3 million for 2024. Despite the setback, he retains the right to appeal the suspension.
Reactions from the League and Team
Runyan's statement after the incident was clear: "The illegal contact could have been avoided." This reflects the NFL's stance on plays that jeopardize player health and safety.
In contrast, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin defended his player, stating, "He's not a dirty player." Tomlin elaborated on the circumstances surrounding the hit, pointing out that while the outcome was regrettable, it did not reflect Kazee's intentions or character. "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 implications of such incidents. He criticized the tendency to blame defensive players exclusively for dangerous hits, suggesting instead that quarterbacks should avoid making throws that put their receivers at risk. "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 expressed.
Brady further emphasized the need for better decision-making by quarterbacks to prevent putting receivers in vulnerable positions. "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!" he added.
The Challenges for Defensive Players
Former NFL safety Mike Mitchell also commented on the difficulties faced by defensive players in the current climate, where the evolution of the game's rules often puts them in precarious situations. "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 defenders face when trying to play aggressively yet within the rules.
Mitchell continued to express frustration with the rule changes, particularly as they are often decided by individuals who have never played the game professionally. "Playing deep safety in today's NFL where rules are made mostly by people who've never played is tough," he said, voicing a sentiment shared by many defensive players who feel the rules are skewed against them.
Looking Ahead
As the NFL continues to grapple with the balance between maintaining an exciting, competitive sport and ensuring the well-being of its players, incidents like the one involving Damontae Kazee serve as focal points for ongoing discussions about safety, responsibility, and the future of football. With Kazee's potential appeal looming, the Steelers and their fans await the final word on whether their safety will return to the field this season or if they must adapt to his absence for the duration of the year.
Regardless of the outcome, the conversation around player safety, the roles and responsibilities of both offensive and defensive players, and the clarity of the rules governing the sport will undoubtedly continue. In the meantime, teams across the league will be watching closely, knowing that any given play could lead to the next debate over the fine line between aggressive defense and player safety.