(New York) The NFL suspended Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee without pay for the remainder of the season Monday due to what the league described as “repeated violations” of rules designed to protect players.
The decision, made by NFL vice president of football operations Jon Runyan, means Kazee will miss the Steelers’ final three games of the regular season (7-7) and any playoff games the team may play.
Kazee was ejected from a 30-13 loss to the Indianapolis Colts after tackling receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who was diving for the ball in the second quarter. The point of contact was the head of Pittman, who left the game and is currently in the concussion protocol.
Runyan sent a letter to Kazee saying the illegal tackle “could have been avoided.” He added that repeated violations are the main reason behind this suspension.
PHOTO ZACH BOLINGER, ASSOCIATED PRESS
Damontae Kazee (23) was ejected from the game against the Colts.
Kazee, a seven-year veteran, has been fined six times by the league this season. He will have to give up US$208,000 due to this suspension.
Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin declined to comment on his defensive player’s action before Monday’s decision, saying “it won’t help me and it won’t help [Kazee] or football itself. »
The Steelers will thus be deprived of their two starting marauders against the Cincinnati Bengals on Saturday. Minkah Fitzpatrick will be out with a knee injury.
Kazee can appeal the decision.