Season-Ending Suspension for Damontae Kazee
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee will not return to the field this NFL season, as he faces a suspension following a controversial play. In a recent game against the Indianapolis Colts, Kazee delivered a hit that resulted in a concussion for Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman. This incident led to Kazee's ejection from the game and has since escalated to a league-enforced suspension.
The Cost of Unnecessary Roughness
Kazee's aggressive style of play has come under scrutiny throughout the season. Prior to this event, he had been fined on five separate occasions for unnecessary roughness, with penalties totaling $59,030. The latest suspension carries significant financial repercussions, costing the safety approximately $208,000 in lost salary.
In his second year with the Steelers, Kazee is playing under a two-year contract that includes a $1.75 million signing bonus, with annual salaries of $1.25 million for 2023 and $3 million for 2024. Despite the setback, Kazee retains the right to appeal the suspension.
League Officials Weigh In
Jon Runyan, an NFL official, characterized Kazee's hit as a grave infraction of the rules. The NFL maintains stringent regulations regarding hits to the head or neck area of defenseless players, emphasizing player safety in a sport known for its physicality.
"The illegal contact could have been avoided," stated Runyan, highlighting the league's stance on such plays. The implication is clear: regardless of intent, players are expected to adjust their approach to avoid endangering their peers.
Coaching Defense
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin came to the defense of his player, asserting, "He's not a dirty player." Tomlin elaborated, "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."
Tomlin's comments reflect the complex nature of enforcing player safety rules while acknowledging the split-second decisions athletes must make during high-speed play.
A Broader Perspective on Player Safety
Legendary quarterback Tom Brady weighed in on the conversation, pointing to the role of quarterbacks in protecting receivers. "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 commented.
Brady's critique didn't end there; he called for better decision-making by quarterbacks, stating, "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!" His remarks suggest a shared responsibility between offensive strategies and defensive reactions when it comes to player safety.
The Defensive Player's Dilemma
Former NFL safety Mike Mitchell also contributed to the dialogue, highlighting the challenges defensive players face under the current rule set. "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 sarcastically suggested.
Mitchell further criticized the difficulty of playing deep safety in today's NFL, which he feels is governed by rules set predominantly by individuals who have never played the game. "Playing deep safety in today's NFL where rules are made mostly by people who've never played is tough," he said, expressing frustration over what many defensive players perceive as an imbalance favoring offensive play.
Looking Ahead
As the NFL continues to grapple with the challenge of balancing player safety with the inherent risks of football, incidents like Kazee's hit on Pittman bring these issues into sharp relief. While the debate over how to best protect players without compromising the essence of the game rages on, the consequences for perceived infractions are clear and costly.
For Damontae Kazee, the focus now shifts to his appeal process and preparation for a return to action next season, with the hope of putting this chapter behind him and contributing positively to his team's efforts on the field.