Kazee Suspended for Season Following Hit on Pittman
In a significant blow to the Pittsburgh Steelers' defensive lineup, safety Damontae Kazee has been handed down a season-ending suspension. The NFL's decision comes in the wake of a controversial play that left Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman with a concussion.
The incident, which occurred during last Sunday's game, saw Kazee ejected after delivering a hit to the head or neck area of Pittman, who was deemed a defenseless player at the time. This type of contact is explicitly prohibited by the NFL rules and is subject to severe penalties, including fines and suspensions, to deter potentially dangerous plays.
History of Violations Leads to Harsh Penalty
NFL Vice President of Football Operations, Jon Runyan, characterized Kazee's hit as a serious violation of the league's safety measures. It wasn't an isolated event; Kazee has faced disciplinary action multiple times this season. His track record includes five fines for unnecessary roughness, accumulating to a substantial sum of $59,030. The latest suspension will further impact his earnings, costing him approximately $208,000 in lost salary.
Kazee's contractual situation with the Steelers compounds the financial repercussions of his suspension. Now in his second year with the team, he is playing under a two-year contract. This deal includes a $1.75 million signing bonus, with yearly salaries of $1.25 million for 2023 and an increase to $3 million for 2024.
While the terms of the suspension allow Kazee the option to appeal, the current verdict stands as a stark reminder of the NFL's commitment to player safety and the consequences of infractions.
Coaches and Players Weigh In
Despite the suspension and the nature of the hit, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin defended his player's character. "He's not a dirty player," Tomlin stated, emphasizing that Kazee does not intentionally engage in the kind of behavior that led to the suspension. Tomlin suggested that the collision was a result of both players moving towards the ball and was an unfortunate consequence rather than a deliberate act of aggression.
Tomlin's sentiment was echoed by other voices within the league, who pointed out the complexities of avoiding such collisions in a fast-paced, contact-heavy sport. Notably, legendary quarterback Tom Brady voiced his perspective, shifting some responsibility away from defensive players. He criticized quarterbacks for making throws that put their receivers in vulnerable positions, suggesting that better decision-making could prevent these situations.
"To put the blame on the defensive player all the time is just flat out wrong," Brady argued, advocating for a more nuanced understanding of the dynamics at play when such hits occur. He also called for improved quarterback play to protect receivers from dangerous hits stemming from poor throws.
Former NFL safety Mike Mitchell provided additional context to the challenges defensive players face under the current rule set. Mitchell highlighted the difficulty of playing deep safety in today's NFL, where many of the rules have been established without the input of those who have played the game professionally. His comments suggest a disconnect between the rule-makers and the athletes on the field, complicating the enforcement of regulations intended to safeguard player welfare.
Mitchell even proposed a tongue-in-cheek strategy for wide receivers to avoid contact: "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."
Looking Ahead
As the Steelers adjust to the absence of Kazee for the remainder of the season, the debate around player safety, rule enforcement, and the roles of various parties in preventing injuries continues to unfold. While there is consensus on the importance of protecting athletes, opinions diverge on the best methods to achieve this goal and the fairness of penalizing defensive players in a game inherently involving physical risk.
The NFL's stance remains clear, with stringent penalties for hits deemed dangerous, reinforcing its dedication to reducing head injuries and concussions. However, as the reactions to Kazee's suspension demonstrate, finding a balance that satisfies all stakeholders—players, coaches, officials, and fans—is an ongoing challenge that extends beyond any single incident.
