Pittsburgh Steelers Safety Damontae Kazee Suspended for the Rest of the Regular Season After Dangerous Hit on Indianapolis Colts Wide Receiver Michael Pittman

Image: Pittsburgh Steelers Safety Damontae Kazee Suspended for the Rest of the Regular Season After Dangerous Hit on Indianapolis Colts Wide Receiver Michael Pittman

In a recent NFL game, Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. suffered a concussion after a dangerous tackle by Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Damontae Kazee. The hit occurred during a second-down play when quarterback Gardner Minshew threw a pass intended for Pittman. As Pittman attempted to catch the ball, Kazee laid him out with a forceful tackle.

Pittman lay on the turf for several minutes before walking off on his own, but the impact of the hit was significant enough to give him a concussion. He has since cleared protocol but is questionable for this weekend’s game due to a shoulder injury.

Following the incident, Pittman discussed the tackle, stating that he did not remember it happening. He expressed that he never saw Kazee coming and only became aware of the situation after waking up and seeing people looking down at him. It was not until he saw his wife and daughter crying that he realized the gravity of the situation.

Pittman described the tackle as “headhunting” and not a clean hit. He emphasized that he does not believe Kazee intended to cause a life-changing injury, as no player possesses such malicious intent. However, he acknowledged that players lose games and money when they receive suspensions, and Kazee, like any other player, has a family and financial responsibilities.

Kazee has been fined multiple times this season for similar infractions. In Week 7, he was fined $11,806 for “impermissible use of the helmet,” an offense he committed again the following week. Another fine was issued that week due to a hit on a defenseless receiver.

The suspension of Damontae Kazee serves as a reminder of the importance of player safety in the NFL. While fines may not be an effective deterrent for some players, suspensions can have a more significant impact on their careers and financial stability. It is crucial for players to understand the consequences of their actions and prioritize the well-being of their opponents on the field.