Four reason Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee is suspended without pay for…
NFL announced on Monday that Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee has been suspended without pay for the remainder of the 2023 season, including playoff games. The suspension stems from what the league deemed “repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health safety of players.”
The controversial hit that led to Kazee’s suspension occurre during the second quarter of the Steelers’ recent 30-13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
Colts wide receiverMichael Pittman Jr. was i was in the process of reaching for a pass when Kazee delivered a brutal takedown.
The hit prompted every referee on the field to throw their flags, resulting in a 15-yard penalty for the Steelers and Kazee’s ejection from the game. Pittman, who remained on the turf for an extended period, was later ruled out with a concussion.
Former player and current NFL vice president of health and safety Jon Runyan issued the suspension, referencing rule 12, section 2, article 9, which deems it a foul if a defender uses his helmet or facemask to hit the head or neck area of a defenseless player. The rule also defines a player in a defenseless posture, including a player attemptin to catch a pass who hasn’t had time to clearly become a runner.
In the official statement, Runyan highlighted that the severity of Kazee’s punishment is a result of his status as a repeat offender, emphasizing the league’s commitment to prioritizing player safety.
Josina Anderson of CBS Sports reported that Kazee intends to appeal the suspension. The appeal process will be overseen by either Derrick Brooks or James Thrash, hearing officers jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFLPA.