Kazee Out for the Season Following Suspension
In a significant blow to the Pittsburgh Steelers' defensive lineup, safety Damontae Kazee will miss the remainder of the NFL season after being handed a suspension. The decision comes in the wake of an incident that left Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman with a concussion. Kazee was ejected from the game following a hit deemed illegal by officials—a violation for which the NFL has a zero-tolerance policy. Hits to the head or neck area of a defenseless player are closely scrutinized, as the league continues its efforts to minimize brain injuries and enhance player safety.Runyan Cites Serious Rule Violation
Jon Runyan, an NFL executive, characterized Kazee's action as a "serious rule violation," indicating the gravity of the situation. The league's stringent stance on such conduct is reflected in the severe repercussion faced by Kazee—a testament to the NFL's commitment to enforcing its player safety protocols.A Costly Season for Kazee
This season has been financially draining for Kazee. Prior to his suspension, he had already accrued fines totaling $59,030 due to five instances of unnecessary roughness. With the suspension now in effect, Kazee stands to lose approximately $208,000 in salary—a substantial sum that underscores the consequences of on-field misconduct. In his second year with the Steelers, Kazee's contract details reveal a $1.75 million signing bonus, coupled with salaries of $1.25 million for 2023 and an increase to $3 million for the 2024 season. This suspension not only impacts Kazee's immediate financial situation but also casts a shadow over his future with the team.The Right to Appeal
Despite the current circumstances, Kazee retains the right to appeal the suspension. This process allows him an opportunity to present his case and potentially mitigate the disciplinary measures imposed by the league. The outcome of any appeal could influence both his professional reputation and his standing with the Steelers organization.Coaches and Players Weigh In
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin defended his player, stating emphatically that Kazee is "not a dirty player." Tomlin elaborated on the nature of the contact, suggesting that while the result was unfortunate, it did not reflect any malicious intent on Kazee's part. He highlighted the difficulty in avoiding such collisions when players are actively engaged and moving at full speed."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, offering insight into the challenges players face in real-time decision-making on the field.
Brady and Mitchell Speak Out on Quarterback Responsibility
Legendary quarterback Tom Brady weighed in on the broader issue of player safety, shifting some responsibility onto quarterbacks. He emphasized the role of quarterbacks in protecting their receivers by making better decisions with their throws."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 stated, advocating for a higher standard of play from quarterbacks across the league.
"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!" Brady continued, expressing frustration over the tendency to place the burden solely on defensive players.
Former NFL safety Mike Mitchell also chimed in, highlighting the difficulties defensive players face due to the evolving rules of the game. He suggested that the expectations placed on defensive players are becoming increasingly unrealistic, given the fast-paced and unpredictable nature of the sport."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, pointing out the catch-22 situation defenders often find themselves in.
"Playing deep safety in today's NFL, where rules are made mostly by people who've never played, is tough," Mitchell added, voicing a common grievance among players regarding the disconnect between rule-makers and those who must abide by the regulations on the field.
As the Steelers adjust to Kazee's absence for the rest of the season, the discussion around player safety, rule enforcement, and the responsibilities of all parties involved in the game continues to evolve. The impact of Kazee's suspension serves as a stark reminder of the high stakes and the ongoing debate over the balance between aggressive play and the well-being of NFL athletes.