Pittsburgh, PA – In a decisive move, the NFL suspended Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee for the remainder of the season, including any potential postseason games, following a controversial hit during Saturday’s game against the Indianapolis Colts. The announcement came on Monday, following the incident that led to Colts receiver Michael Pittman Jr. being knocked out of the game.
The play that triggered the suspension occurred in the second quarter of the match, where Kazee delivered a forceful blow to Pittman’s head/neck area. The Colts’ receiver, who was in a defenseless posture at the time, suffered from the impact of what appeared to be a dangerous and illegal hit. This action led to Kazee’s immediate ejection from the game.
Jon Runyan, the NFL Vice President of Football Operations, personally issued the suspension. In his letter to Kazee, Runyan emphasized the severity of the violation, highlighting that the safety had a clear path to his opponent and could have avoided the illegal contact. He further noted that Kazee’s actions were not only flagrant but also in clear violation of the league’s health and safety rules.
This suspension underscores the NFL’s continued commitment to player safety, particularly in instances where repeated violations occur. Runyan’s statement pointed out the need for substantial penalties when players repeatedly disregard rules designed to protect the health of their colleagues.
Damontae Kazee has been a key player for the Steelers this season, appearing in all 14 games with nine starts. His season statistics include 61 tackles, two interceptions, and two fumble recoveries. However, his suspension will see him sidelined for the remaining regular-season games against the Bengals, Seahawks, and Ravens, as well as any potential playoff games.
Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Kazee holds the right to appeal the suspension. This right was recently exercised by Denver Broncos safety Kareem Jackson, who managed to get his suspension reduced from four to two games earlier this season.
The Steelers and their fans will undoubtedly feel the impact of Kazee’s absence, particularly as they head towards the crucial final stages of the regular season. The suspension serves as a stark reminder of the league’s stringent approach to on-field conduct, especially concerning player safety.
