Steelers safety Damontae Kazee has been suspended for the rest of the season by the NFL following a dangerous hit on Michael Pittman Jr. during the game against the Indianapolis Colts. The suspension comes after the league deemed the hit a serious violation of the playing rules, emphasizing the need to prioritize player safety.
Key Takeaway
Steelers’ Damontae Kazee has been suspended for the remainder of the season due to a dangerous hit on Michael Pittman Jr., reinforcing the NFL’s commitment to upholding player safety.
The Violent Hit
The incident occurred in the second quarter of the game, with Kazee leaving his feet and making contact with Pittman Jr.’s head/neck. The NFL described the action as flagrant and emphasized that it could have been avoided, as Kazee had an unobstructed path to his opponent.
The League’s Response
NFL executive Jon Runyan addressed the suspension in a letter to Kazee, stating that the actions were in direct violation of the rules intended to protect player safety. Runyan highlighted that previous violations were taken into account when determining the length of the suspension, emphasizing the need for substantial penalties in such cases.
Consequences and Appeal
As a result of the suspension, Kazee will miss several upcoming games for the Steelers, including matchups against the Bengals, Seahawks, Ravens, and any potential playoff games. However, he does have the option to appeal the decision.
