Steelers' Kazee Suspended for Season After Controversial Hit
Damontae Kazee Faces Season-Ending Suspension
In a significant blow to the Pittsburgh Steelers' defensive lineup, safety Damontae Kazee will not return to the field this NFL season. The league has imposed a suspension following a contentious play that resulted in a severe injury to an opponent.Controversial Hit Leads to Concussion
The incident in question occurred during a recent game against the Indianapolis Colts, where Kazee was ejected after delivering a hit that left Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman with a concussion. This type of play is precisely what the NFL has been trying to eliminate, as rules clearly prohibit hits to the head or neck area of a defenseless player.NFL Officials Respond
Jon Runyan, an NFL official, characterized Kazee's hit as a grave infraction of the rules. The safety's actions this season have drawn considerable scrutiny, with a tally of five fines for unnecessary roughness amounting to $59,030. This pattern of behavior likely influenced the decision to hand down a suspension, which will cost Kazee approximately $208,000 in lost salary.Kazee's tenure with the Steelers has been relatively short, being in his second season under a two-year contract. His agreement with the team includes a $1.75 million signing bonus, coupled with salaries of $1.25 million for the current year and $3 million slated for 2024. Despite the financial and professional setback, Kazee retains the right to appeal the suspension.
Coaches and Players Weigh In
Despite the disciplinary action, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin came to Kazee's defense, stating, "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."
Tom Brady, the legendary quarterback known for his candid perspectives, offered a different angle on such incidents. "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," said Brady. He further criticized the tendency to place blame solely on the defense, calling for better decision-making by quarterbacks to prevent putting receivers at risk.
Former NFL safety Mike Mitchell also chimed in with his take on the challenges defensive players face in the current climate of the league. "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 commented sarcastically, highlighting the difficulty of playing deep safety when many rules seem to be made by individuals without firsthand football experience.Conclusion
As the Steelers adjust their roster in the wake of Kazee's suspension, the debate over player safety versus the nature of the game continues to rage. While the NFL strives to protect its players with stringent rules and penalties, the application of these regulations often sparks controversy among players, coaches, and fans alike. Kazee's situation serves as a reminder of the fine line athletes must walk between aggressive play and adherence to the standards set forth by the league. Whether his absence will significantly impact the Steelers' defensive effectiveness remains to be seen as the season progresses.