NFL Takes Action: Damontae Kazee Suspended Over Illegal Hit

On December 16, 2023, in Indianapolis, wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. of the Indianapolis Colts catches a pass before being struck.Photo byMichael Conroy / AP

The NFL handed a season-long suspension to Steelers' safety Damontae Kazee for repeated rule violations aimed at player safety. Kazee's ban, initiated by Jon Runyan, VP of Football Operations, sidelines him for Pittsburgh's remaining regular-season games and potential playoffs.

His ejection in the Colts game due to an illegal hit on Michael Pittman Jr., violating safety rules, led to this decision. Despite Coach Mike Tomlin's reluctance to speculate on discipline, Kazee faces a substantial financial hit, losing approximately $208,000 in game checks.

With both starting safeties absent, Pittsburgh faces the Bengals, and Kazee retains the option to appeal through designated hearing officers.