Suspension Sidelines Damontae Kazee for the Season
In a significant blow to the Pittsburgh Steelers' defensive lineup, safety Damontae Kazee will not see any more action this season. The NFL has handed down a suspension following an incident in which Kazee was ejected for a contentious hit that left Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman with a concussion.
The Cost of Unnecessary Roughness
Such hits are under intense scrutiny, as the league continues its efforts to protect players from head and neck injuries, particularly when the player is considered defenseless. Jon Runyan, an NFL official, characterized Kazee's hit as a flagrant violation of these safety rules. This isn't the first time Kazee has come under fire for his aggressive style of play; throughout the season, he has accumulated fines totaling $59,030 for five instances of unnecessary roughness.
The financial repercussions of the suspension are substantial for Kazee, who stands to lose approximately $208,000 in salary. In the midst of his second season with the Steelers, Kazee is playing on a two-year contract that includes a $1.75 million signing bonus, with salaries of $1.25 million for the 2023 season and $3 million due for 2024. Despite the setback, there is a silver lining for Kazee, as the terms of the NFL allow him the option to appeal the suspension.
Reactions from the League
Runyan's stance on the matter is clear, stating that "The illegal contact could have been avoided," indicating that the league found Kazee had a reasonable opportunity to make a safer play. On the other side of the discussion, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin has come to Kazee's defense, emphasizing that his player is not known for dirty play. Tomlin acknowledged the unfortunate nature of the incident, saying, "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, one of the league's most prominent quarterbacks, weighed in on the issue, suggesting a broader perspective should be considered. He highlighted that while no one wants to see players injured, the nature of football inevitably leads to hard hits. Brady pointed out that quarterbacks also bear responsibility for protecting their receivers by making better decisions with their throws. "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 argued.
Former NFL safety Mike Mitchell echoed Brady's sentiments regarding the challenges defenders face, especially when trying to adhere to rules that are often decided by individuals who have never played the game themselves. Mitchell suggested a somewhat facetious strategy for wide receivers to avoid such hits altogether: "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." His comments underscore the tightrope walk that defensive players must navigate between playing aggressively and avoiding penalties.
Looking Ahead
As the Steelers adjust to the absence of Kazee for the remainder of the season, the debate over player safety versus the inherent risks of the sport continues to rage. While the league maintains its stance on minimizing dangerous plays, players and coaches alike call for a more nuanced understanding of the split-second decisions made on the field. The fallout from Kazee's suspension serves as yet another chapter in the ongoing dialogue about how to balance the physical nature of football with the well-being of its players.
For Kazee, the path forward involves navigating the appeals process, should he choose to challenge the league's decision. Meanwhile, the Steelers will have to compensate for his absence on the field, potentially looking to their depth chart or free agency to fill the void left by the suspended safety. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how the team adapts to this setback and how the league continues to enforce its player safety protocols.