Steeler player suspended, season-long, for massive hit
Steelers Player Suspended for the Rest of the Season for Huge Hit
Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee will have plenty of time to reflect on the bone-crushing hit he delivered to Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. that left Pittman with a concussion and knocked him out of the game.
Kazee, who has already racked up five unnecessary roughness penalties this year, has been suspended for the remainder of the season, including any potential postseason games if the Steelers make it that far, according to WXIN-TV.
The NFL cited Kazee’s repeated violations of playing rules designed to protect player health and safety as the reason for his suspension.
NFL suspended Steelers safety Damontae Kazee for remainder of season/postseason for ‘repeated violations.’ pic.twitter.com/lKVu5ayAHy
— Mike Chappell (@mchappell51) December 18, 2023
The devastating hit occurred during the second quarter of the Steelers’ 30-13 loss to the Colts. Pittman made a diving catch, and as he did, Kazee lined him up and delivered a helmet-first blow that left Pittman dazed for several minutes.
Kazee was ejected from the game following the unnecessary roughness penalty, and it was later determined that Pittman had suffered a concussion.
In a letter to Kazee, Jon Runyan, the NFL’s vice president of football operations, explained the reasoning behind the season-long ban.
“With 8:49 remaining in the 2nd quarter, you were involved in a play that the League considers a serious violation of the playing rules. The video of the play shows that you delivered a forcible blow to the head/neck area of Colts’ receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who was in a defenseless posture,” Runyan wrote.
BREAKING: #Steelers safety Damontae Kazee has been suspended for the remainder of the season for this hit, per @RapSheet
pic.twitter.com/31J2ce6vAD— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) December 18, 2023
“You had an unobstructed path to your opponent and the illegal contact could have been avoided. Your actions were flagrant, and as a result, you were disqualified from the game,” the letter stated.
“When players repeatedly violate rules intended to protect player safety, especially when those violations pose a significant risk of injury to an opposing player, it is appropriate to impose much harsher penalties,” the letter continued.
Colts coach Shane Steichen commented on Kazee’s hit, saying, “It probably shouldn’t happen. He led with the crown of his helmet, and you never want to see that, you know what I mean?”
NFL legend Tom Brady also weighed in on the incident, stating, “Nobody likes seeing players get hurt. But hard hits happen. QBs should not be throwing the ball in areas where they are exposing their own teammates to these types of hits. Coaches need to coach better, QBs need to read coverages and throw the ball to the right places, and defenders should aim for the right hitting areas.”
In a post on X, Mike Mitchell, the Colts’ assistant secondary coach and a former Steelers defensive back, expressed his concerns about the ruling.
I don’t know what to tell my safeties anymore. 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. Playing deep safety in today’s nfl where rules are made mostly by people who’ve never played is tough.
— Mike Mitchell (@iammikemitchell) December 18, 2023
Steelers Coach Mike Tomlin acknowledged that Kazee’s ejection came from the league office in New York.
“Usually I talk about lowering the target,” Tomlin said. “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.”
“Sometimes it’s just professional football today and how difficult it is to operate, but the National Football League is really clear, man. They put a hundred percent of the onus on the defender in those circumstances. It’s unfortunate, but we understand it,” he added.
The post Steelers Player Suspended for the Rest of the Season for Huge Hit appeared first on The Western Journal.
What message does the suspension of Kazee send to other players regarding player safety?
N on the suspension, stating, “Player safety should always be the top priority. Hits like these not only put players at risk but also tarnish the integrity of the game. The league made the right decision in suspending Kazee.”
This is not the first time Kazee has faced disciplinary action for his aggressive playing style. In addition to his five unnecessary roughness penalties this season, he has also been fined multiple times for late hits and helmet-to-helmet contact. The NFL’s decision to suspend Kazee for the rest of the season sends a clear message that such behavior will not be tolerated.
Player safety has been a major focus for the NFL in recent years, with the league implementing stricter rules and penalties to protect players from serious injuries. Hits like the one delivered by Kazee on Pittman are exactly the type of incidents the league is trying to eliminate from the game.
Concussions have become a major concern in football, with numerous studies highlighting the long-term effects of repeated head trauma. By suspending Kazee, the NFL is taking a strong stance against actions that put players at risk of such injuries.
The Pittsburgh Steelers now face the challenge of finishing the season without one of their starting safeties. Kazee’s absence will undoubtedly have an impact on the team’s defense, but the suspension serves as a reminder that player safety should always come first.
In the end, it is important for players to remember that football is a contact sport, but there are boundaries that should not be crossed. Hits like the one delivered by Kazee not only risk the health and safety of opposing players but also reflect poorly on the integrity of the game.
The NFL’s decision to suspend Kazee for the rest of the season is a step in the right direction to ensure the safety of all players on the field. It serves as a reminder that the league will not tolerate unnecessary roughness or actions that put players at risk.
As the NFL continues to prioritize player safety, it is crucial that players, coaches, and fans alike support these efforts. While football can be a physically demanding sport, it is crucial that proper playing techniques are followed to minimize the risk of injuries.
With Kazee’s suspension, it is hoped that players will take a moment to reflect on the consequences of their actions and make a conscious effort to play within the rules. Ultimately, the goal is to create a safer playing environment for all athletes involved.
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