Damontae Kazee, a safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers, was placed on indefinite leave without pay by the NFL on Monday. This suspension extends to all postseason games in 2023. The league imposed the suspension in response to what it considered to be “repeated violations of playing rules intended to protect the health and safety of players.”
The Steelers just lost 30-13 to the Indianapolis Colts, and during the second quarter of that game, Kazee was suspended for a disputed hit. Michael Pittman Jr., a wide receiver for the Colts, was grasping for a pass when Kazee brutally took him down.
The hit caused all of the referees on the field to raise their flags, which led to Kazee’s dismissal from the game and a 15-yard penalty for the Steelers. Pittman sustained a concussion and had to be sidelined after spending a considerable amount of time on the field.
The ban was issued by former player and current NFL vice president of health and safety Jon Runyan, who cited rule 12, section 2, article 9, which states that it is a foul if a defender hits a defenseless player in the head or neck area with his helmet or facemask. A player in a defenseless position, such as one trying to catch a pass but having not had enough time to visibly transition into a runner, is likewise defined by the regulation.
Due to multiple infractions of playing rules meant to ensure players’ health and safety, the NFL has suspended #Steelers safety Damontae Kazee for the balance of the regular season and any future postseason games without pay.
Runyan emphasized in the official statement that Kazee’s sentence was severe since he had committed the same offense before, underscoring the league’s dedication to player safety.
According to Josina Anderson of CBS Sports, Kazee plans to challenge the punishment. Derrick Brooks or James Thrash, hearing officers equally designated by the NFL and the NFLPA, would handle the appeals process.
