NEW DELHI: The NFL announced 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 described as “repeated violations of the rules of the game intended to protect the health and safety of players.”
The controversial hit that led to Kazee’s suspension occurred in the second quarter of the Steelers’ recent 30-13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts. Colts receiver Michael Pittman Jr.
was looking for a pass when Kazee executed a hard takedown.
The hit caused all the officials 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 field for a long time, then had to miss the game with a concussion.
Former player and current NFL Vice President of Health and Safety Jon Runyan imposed the suspension citing Rule 12, Section 2, Article 9, which provides for a foul if a defender uses his helmet or his mask to hit his head or his mask.
Hitting the neck area of a defenseless player. The rule also defines a player in a defenseless position, including a player who is trying to receive a pass and has not had time to clearly become a runner.
In the official statement, Runyan noted that the severity of Kazee’s punishment is a result of his status as a repeat offender, underscoring the league’s commitment to prioritizing player safety.
CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson reported that Kazee plans to appeal the suspension.
The appeals process will be overseen by Derrick Brooks or James Thrash, judges appointed jointly by the NFL and NFLPA.