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 handed down a suspension following an incident that left Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman with a concussion.
During the contentious play, Kazee was ejected for delivering a hit to the head or neck area of Pittman, who was deemed a defenseless player at the time—a clear violation of NFL rules aimed at player safety.
Serious Rule Violation and Repercussions
Jon Runyan, a key figure in the NFL's disciplinary actions, characterized Kazee's hit as a grave infraction of the rules. This is not the first instance of Kazee being reprimanded for such conduct; throughout the season, he has been fined on five separate occasions for unnecessary roughness, accumulating penalties worth $59,030.
The financial implications of his suspension are substantial. Kazee stands to lose approximately $208,000 in salary—an expensive consequence reflecting the severity of the league's stance on player safety.
Kazee's Tenure with the Steelers
Kazee's stint with the Steelers, now in its second year, is part of a two-year contract. His deal includes a signing bonus of $1.75 million, alongside salaries set at $1.25 million for the 2023 season and escalating to $3 million for the 2024 season. Despite the setback of his suspension, Kazee retains the right to appeal the decision.
Defending Kazee's Play Style
Head Coach Mike Tomlin came to Kazee's defense, asserting that his player is not inherently malicious on the field. "He's not a dirty player," Tomlin stated, emphasizing that while the outcome was regrettable, Kazee's intention was not to harm. He further commented on the nature of the collision, suggesting that both players were actively engaged and that the hit was an unfortunate byproduct of the game's intensity.
Tomlin also touched upon the technique, noting, "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.”
Quarterback Responsibility in Player Safety
The debate over player safety extended beyond Kazee's hit, with legendary quarterback Tom Brady weighing in on the responsibility signal-callers have in protecting their teammates. Brady criticized the tendency to blame defensive players exclusively for dangerous hits, arguing that quarterbacks must improve their play to avoid placing receivers in vulnerable positions.
"To put the blame on the defense player all the time is just flat out wrong. Need better QB play!! It's not OK QBs to get your WRs hit because of your bad decisions!" Brady expressed, highlighting the role of offensive decision-making in the prevention of injuries.
The Challenge for Defensive Players
Former NFL safety Mike Mitchell provided insight into the difficulties defensive players face under the current rule set. Mitchell pointed out the challenges of playing deep safety in an era where many of the rules seem to be made by individuals without firsthand football experience.
Mitchell offered a sarcastic solution to the dilemma faced by receivers, "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 frustration felt by defensive players who often find themselves penalized despite their efforts to play within the rules.
Looking Ahead
As the Steelers adjust to the absence of Kazee, the discussion around player safety and the rules governing the game continues. While the enforcement of these rules is intended to protect players from injury, the debate highlights the complex interplay between enforcing safety standards and maintaining the physical essence of football.
Kazee's situation serves as a stark reminder of the consequences that come with infractions, whether intentional or not, and the ongoing conversation about how the game is played and regulated. As the NFL strives to balance player safety with the inherent risks of the sport, each new incident provides fodder for an evolving dialogue on the future of football.
