Steelers’ Damontae Kazee gets major NFL…..
Steelers’ Damontae Kazee gets major NFL playoffs decision amid suspension
Damontae Kazee, a safety with the Pittsburgh Steelers, was suspended by the NFL for the rest of the 2023 season, it was revealed on Monday. Okay, see you around the new year? Well, not so quickly, based on this saga’s most recent update.
The suspension of Kazee for the remainder of the 2023 regular season has been upheld by hearing officer James Thrash. However, Thrash is also declaring that, in the event that the Steelers make the playoffs, Kazee is qualified to return, thanks to Michael Signora, the NFL’s Senior Vice President of Football & International Communications.
The NFL and the NFL Players Association both jointly appoint Thrash to this post.
The reason for Kazee’s suspension is an illegal hit he gave to Michael Pittman Jr. of the Indianapolis Colts during the team’s 30-13 victory in Week 15. With a startling blow to the head, Kazee arrived just as Pittman Jr. was diving for a pass, raising more than one flag at once.
Is Kazee still hopeful?
NFL Vice President of Football Operations Joe Runyan explained the suspension’s justification in a letter to Kazee. Runyan specifically accused Kazee of striking Pittman Jr.’s head and neck area with force when he was in a defenseless position.
In addition, Kazee had “an unobstructed path to your opponent and the illegal contact could have been avoided,” according to the letter.Kazee’s actions were categorized as “flagrant.”
However, as of right now, going into Week 16, the Steelers will not be impacted by Wednesday’s decision. The Steelers were eliminated from playoff contention by the Colts’ victory. It will be difficult for Pittsburgh to qualify with such an expensive loss.
According to NFL.com, the Steelers’ chances of making the playoffs are at only 7%. Their chances of winning on Saturday are still barely 14%. If they lost, their chances would be less than one percent.