Season-Ending Suspension for Damontae Kazee
The Pittsburgh Steelers will be without safety Damontae Kazee for the remainder of the NFL season following a suspension due to a hit that has stirred considerable controversy. Kazee's ejection from the game came after his collision with Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman, which resulted in a concussion for the latter.
The NFL has strict rules regarding player safety, particularly emphasizing the protection of defenseless players. Hits to the head or neck area of such players are subject to severe penalties, and in Kazee's case, this rule violation was deemed serious by Jon Runyan, a league executive responsible for overseeing on-field discipline.
Kazee's track record this season has been marked by aggressive play, leading to multiple fines for unnecessary roughness. These incidents have accumulated to a total of $59,030 in fines, underscoring the safety's physical approach to the game.
The Financial Impact of Kazee's Actions
The suspension carries significant financial repercussions for Kazee, who stands to lose approximately $208,000 in salary. This loss compounds an already costly season for the safety in terms of fines. In the context of his contract, these losses are non-trivial. Kazee is currently in the second year of a deal with the Steelers, which included a $1.75 million signing bonus. His salaries are set at $1.25 million for the 2023 season and will increase to $3 million for the 2024 season.
While the suspension is a setback for Kazee, it is not necessarily final. He has the option to appeal the decision, a move that could potentially alter the course of action taken by the league.
Reactions Within the League
The incident has sparked a range of reactions from figures within the NFL. Jon Runyan expressed a clear stance on the matter, stating, "The illegal contact could have been avoided." His comment reflects the league's commitment to player safety and its zero-tolerance policy for hits that violate this principle.
Despite the severity of the hit and the ensuing punishment, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin defended his player. He described Kazee as someone who is not inherently a dirty player and pointed out the unfortunate nature of the incident. "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 stated.
Tom Brady, the legendary quarterback known for his outspoken views, weighed in on the broader issue of player safety and responsibility. He highlighted the role of quarterbacks in protecting their receivers, suggesting that they should avoid making throws that put their teammates at risk of such hits. "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 said. He further criticized the tendency to blame defensive players exclusively, calling for better decision-making by quarterbacks.
Former NFL safety Mike Mitchell also offered his perspective on the challenges defensive players face in the current climate, where many rules affecting play are decided by individuals who may lack firsthand playing experience. Mitchell's comments underscore the difficulty of navigating the fine line between aggressive play and adherence to the evolving rulebook. "Playing deep safety in today's NFL where rules are made mostly by people who've never played is tough," he remarked, providing insight into the frustration felt by defensive players.
Conclusion
The debate surrounding Kazee's hit and subsequent suspension highlights the ongoing tension between the NFL's efforts to ensure player safety and the inherently physical nature of football. As the conversation continues, the league, players, and coaches alike are grappling with how to balance the competitive spirit of the game with the need to protect the well-being of its participants. Kazee's future actions, as well as the outcome of any potential appeal, will be closely monitored by those within and outside the NFL community.