The NFL announced on Monday that it had suspended Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee for the rest of the 2023 season. So, you’ll see me next year, right? Not so fast, according to the most recent installment of this saga.
Kazee’s suspension for the rest of the 2023 regular season has been upheld by hearing officer James Thrash. But, thanks to the NFL’s Senior Vice President of Football & International Communications Michael Signora, Thrash has also ruled that Kazee is eligible to return to the Steelers for the postseason if they qualify.
The NFL and the NFL Players Association share the appointment of Thrash.
Kazee’s suspension stems from an illegal hit he delivered on Indianapolis Colts’ Michael Pittman Jr. during the Colts’ 30-13 victory in Week 15. Kazee arrived with a jarring hit to the head as Pittman Jr. dove for a pass, immediately drawing multiple flags.
Is Kazee still hopeful?
Joe Runyan, NFL Vice President of Football Operations, explained the suspension in a letter to Kazee. Runyan specifically accused Kazee of delivering “a forcible blow to the head/neck area of…Pittman Jr., who was in a defenseless posture.”
According to the letter, Kazee had “an unobstructed path to your opponent and the illegal contact could have been avoided.” Kazee’s actions were labeled “flagrant.”
However, as things stand heading into Week 16, Wednesday’s ruling will have no effect on the Steelers. The Steelers’ loss to the Colts knocked them out of the playoff picture. After such a costly loss, Pittsburgh will have a difficult time qualifying.
According to NFL.com, the Steelers have a 7% chance of making the playoffs. Even if they win on Saturday, their chances improve to 14%. A loss would reduce their chances to less than 1%.
