Season-Ending Suspension for Damontae Kazee
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee will not see the field again this season following a suspension handed down by the NFL. The league's decision comes in response to a hit that resulted in Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman suffering a concussion, an incident that has sparked considerable debate around player safety and the enforcement of rules designed to protect athletes.
Kazee, who was ejected from the game due to the collision, has been under scrutiny this season, having accumulated fines totaling $59,030 for unnecessary roughness. The latest incident, deemed by NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan as a "serious rule violation," is set to cost Kazee approximately $208,000 in lost salary.
A Closer Look at the Hit
The hit in question occurred during a contentious moment in the game, leading to immediate ejection based on the current NFL regulations that safeguard defenseless players from blows to the head or neck area. Runyan, in his statement, emphasized that the illegal contact made by Kazee could have been avoided, highlighting the league's ongoing commitment to player health and safety.
Kazee, currently in his second year with the Steelers, signed a two-year contract which includes a $1.75 million signing bonus, with salaries of $1.25 million for 2023 and $3 million for 2024. Despite the financial implications and the severity of the punishment, Kazee has the option to appeal the suspension should he choose to do so.
Coaches and Players Weigh In
Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin defended Kazee's character, stating emphatically that he is not a dirty player. Tomlin elaborated, pointing out that although the outcome was unfortunate, the intention behind Kazee's actions was not malicious. He further noted that both the target and approach were low, indicating that the resulting injury was an unfortunate byproduct of a fast-paced, contact sport.
Tomlin's sentiment was echoed in part by legendary quarterback Tom Brady, who shifted some responsibility away from defensive players like Kazee. Brady argued that quarterbacks must be more cautious and avoid making throws that expose their receivers to dangerous hits. His comments suggest a need for better decision-making by quarterbacks to prevent such incidents.
Brady's critical stance on quarterback play was complemented by his assertion that not all blame should be placed on defensive players when injuries occur on the field. Instead, he called for an improvement in quarterback performance to protect receivers from risky situations.
The Challenges for Defensive Players
Former NFL safety Mike Mitchell also contributed to the discussion, highlighting the difficulties defensive players face in the modern NFL. Mitchell's remarks touched on the complexities of playing deep safety under rules set predominantly by individuals who have never played the game professionally. His comments underscore the tension between enforcing player safety and maintaining the physical essence of football.
Mitchell further suggested a somewhat facetious strategy for wide receivers, proposing that they dive for every catch to guarantee no contact and a successful reception, thereby avoiding hits altogether. While clearly impractical, Mitchell's hyperbole serves to illustrate the perceived imbalance between offensive and defensive expectations in today's game.
Looking Forward
The suspension of Damontae Kazee has reignited conversations about the balance between ensuring player safety and preserving the competitive nature of football. As the NFL continues to evolve its policies to reduce head injuries, the perspectives of players, coaches, and fans will remain critical in shaping the future of the sport. For Kazee, the remainder of the season will be spent off the field, but the dialogue surrounding his suspension is likely to continue, as the league, teams, and players strive to find common ground in a sport renowned for its physicality.