The NFL has enforced a suspension on Damontae Kazee, the Pittsburgh Steelers’ safety, withholding his pay for the rest of the season due to what the league referred to as “repeated violations” of safety-related rules for players.
This decision, declared by NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan on Monday, signifies Kazee’s absence for Pittsburgh’s final three regular-season games and any potential playoff matches should the Steelers (7-7) progress to the postseason.
Kazee was ejected from the 30-13 defeat against Indianapolis on Saturday for a hit on diving Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. during the second quarter. The contact made by Kazee with Pittman’s head resulted in Pittman leaving the game and entering the concussion protocol.
In a letter to Kazee, Runyan highlighted that the illegal contact with Pittman could have been prevented and cited Kazee’s consistent violations of safety protocols as a significant factor leading to the suspension.
As a veteran of seven years, Kazee has faced fines from the league on nearly five occasions this season. His suspension will result in a loss of approximately $208,000 in game earnings for missing Pittsburgh’s final trio of matches.
Before the NFL announced Kazee’s suspension, Steelers coach Mike Tomlin refrained from speculating on potential disciplinary actions, emphasizing that such speculation does not benefit him, Kazee, or the sport itself.
With both starting safeties unavailable, including Minkah Fitzpatrick due to a knee injury, Pittsburgh will face the Bengals without key defensive players.
Kazee retains the option to appeal the decision to hearing officers Derrick Brooks or James Thrash, who have been designated by the NFL and NFLPA to handle appeals concerning on-field player discipline.
