Steelers Media Puts NFL on Blast After League Suspends S Damontae Kazee

Steelers Media Puts NFL on Impact After Association Suspends S Damontae Kazee

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been managing wounds with all due respect for over a month. They will now also have to overcome safety Damontae Kazee’s suspension.

NFL Organization’s Tom Pelissero covered December 18 that the association has suspended Kazee until the end of the 2023 season.

“The NFL is suspending Steelers security Damontae Kazee without pay until the end of the customary season and any potential postseason games for rehashed infringement of playing rules expected to safeguard the wellbeing and wellbeing of players,” tweeted Pelissero on X (previously Twitter).

The NFL is suspending #Steelers security Damontae Kazee without pay until the end of the normal season and any potential postseason games for rehashed infringement of playing rules planned to safeguard the wellbeing and wellbeing of players.

That the suspension for a violation of Rule 12, Section 2, Article 9 (b)(1),” NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan stated in a press release,

That standard states it is a punishment “if a player ‘effectively raises a ruckus around town player’s head or neck region with the protective cap, facemark, lower arm or shoulder, regardless of whether the underlying contact is lower than the player’s neck, and whether or not the guarded player likewise utilizes his arms to handle the helpless player by encompassing or getting a handle on him.'”

ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted a duplicate of the public statement.

“The declaration on the season-extended suspension of Steelers’ security Damontae Kazee,” composed Schefter.

Kazee accepted his suspension for his vicious cap to-head protector hit against Indianapolis Yearlings wide beneficiary Michael Pittman Jr. Authorities called Kazee for a 15-yard punishment and shot out him for the play.

A concussion kept Pittman out of the remainder of the game.

ICYMI: This is the hit that #Steelers S Damontae Kazee delivered to #Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr., which ended the day of both players in an Indianapolis victory on Saturday.

Pittman is in blackout convention.

The absurd suspension for an indefinite period baffled Steelers media members.

Mark Kaboly of The Athletic wrote, “Damontae Kazee suspended for the rest of the season without pay for his hit on Michael Pittman.” I apologize for my language, but that is nonsense.

Damontae Kazee’s hit on Michael Pittman earned him a season-long, unpaid suspension. Excuse my language, however that is bologna.

Steelers Media Shocked Over Length of Damontae Kazee’s Suspension

Different media individuals who cover the Steelers were not exactly as immediate as Kaboly yet were similarly stunned at the association’s choice to suspend Kazee until the end of the time.

“This is crazy,” The Pittsburgh-Post Newspaper’s Christopher Carter posted on X.

Steelers Terminal’s Alex Kozora didn’t share his prompt response yet contended on X that Kazee’s suspension ought to be diminished after his allure.

Kozora wrote on X, “I’m going to guess Kazee will win his appeal.” However, she added, “I’m not sure what the appeal will go down to without an actual game number placed by the league (indefinite suspension, including playoffs).”

My guess is two games.

I think Kazee will prevail in his appeal. However, I am unsure of the appeal’s outcome without an actual game number set by the league—an indefinite suspension that includes playoffs.

Members of the national NFL media were also shocked by Kazee’s suspension. Stephen Holder, an ESPN Colts reporter, tweeted “wow” upon first learning of the suspension.

Kazee Suspended Due to His ‘Rehash’ Offenses

Runyan noted in his public statement that Kazee accepted his suspension for “different earlier infringement to safeguard the wellbeing and security of players.”

His first unnecessary roughness penalty of the season came when he hit Pittman. However, prior to Week 15, he had been assessed five fines for excessive roughness in 2023.

Those fines were for $11,806. Presently counting his suspension, Kazee will lose 22% of his 2023 compensation.

“Kazee has now been fined $267,363 this year or 22% of his 2023 compensation,” composed Kaboly.

This year, Kazee has been fined $267,363, or 22% of his salary in 2023.

— Mark Kaboly (@MarkKaboly) December 18, 2023

Mike Tomlin Guarded Kazee Before Suspension

Tomlin held his December 18 public interview before the declaration of Kazee’s suspension. So the mentor presently can’t seem to make his sentiments about losing Kazee for the season public.

Yet, Tomlin guarded Kazee’s standing.

Tomlin spoke about the coaching point he could use regarding Kazee’s hit that resulted in his ejection, saying, “Usually I talk about lowering the target.” Both men were moving, and the target was low. Simply unfortunate, it was.

I am aware that he is not a shady player. He doesn’t seek to do a portion of the things that became exposed under those conditions. Once in a while, today’s expert football and that it is so challenging to work.

“However, man, the National Football League is crystal clear. They put 100% of the onus on the protector in those conditions. It’s appalling, yet we grasp it.”

Daniel Valente of The Score concurred, but he refuted the notion that the defender should bear sole responsibility. To demonstrate that the collision was not solely Kazee’s fault, Valente posted a picture of Kazee shortly before his hit on Pittman and quoted retired quarterback Tom Brady.

“‘I thought players would get knocked out, so I didn’t throw the ball to certain areas. That is the truth.’ – Tom Brady while tearing the NFL’s unremarkableness.

“This was a flat out clinic ball. Multi-game suspension is insane. QBs need to safeguard their folks as well.”

“I didn’t toss the ball to specific regions since I thought players planned to get taken out. That is the truth.” – When criticizing the NFL’s mediocrity, Tom Brady.

The Steelers are severely short-staffed at safety without Kazee. Additionally, injuries forced Trenton Thompson and All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to miss Week 15.

Tomlin precluded Fitzpatrick playing on December 23. Moreover, veteran Keanu Neal stays on harmed save.

In Week 16, the Steelers may be forced to start Miles Killebrew, a master of special teams, and a player from the practice squad at safety.