Following an illegal hit, the NFL suspends Steelers safety T.J. Watt for the remainder of the season
In the second quarter of Pittsburgh’s 30-13 loss to Indianapolis on Saturday, Kazee was shown the red card after striking diving Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr.
Damontae Kazee, a safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers, was suspended by the NFL for the rest of the season without pay for what the league called “repeated violations” of policies intended to ensure player safety.
According to the decision made by NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan on Monday, Kazee would be ineligible for Pittsburgh’s next three regular-season games as well as any playoffs contests should the Steelers (7-7) make it that far.
In the second quarter of Pittsburgh’s 30-13 loss to Indianapolis on Saturday, Kazee was shown the red card after striking diving Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. When Pittman extended to try to catch a pass, Kazee struck Pittman in the head. Pittman entered the concussion protocol after leaving the game.
In a letter to Kazee, Runyan stated that unlawful communication with Pittman “could have been avoided.” Runyan cited Kazee’s habitual disregard for safety regulations as one of the main reasons for the suspension.
The league has penalised the seven-year veteran Kazee almost six times already this season. Since he will be absent from Pittsburgh’s final three games, he will forfeit game checks for almost $208,000.
Prior to the NFL announcing Kazee’s suspension on Monday, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin stated that he would not comment on any possible punishment, claiming that it “doesn’t help me, help (Kazee), or football itself.”
Due to the suspension, Pittsburgh will face the Bengals without both of its starting safeties. Due to a knee injury, Minkah Fitzpatrick is already unavailable.
The NFL and NFLPA have designated hearing officers Derrick Brooks and James Thrash to hear appeals of on-field player penalties. Kazee may challenge the ruling to these officers.
