- Kazee was sent off after hitting Michael Pittman Jr. during Sunday's loss
- The NFL emphasized that this was not the Steelers safety's first violation of safety rules
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Pittsburgh Steelers safety Damontae Kazee has been suspended by the NFL for the remainder of the season, the league announced Monday.
Kazee was ejected during the Steelers' loss to the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday for unnecessary roughness after a brutal hit on Michael Pittman Jr.
The NFL has announced that Kazee will be suspended without pay for the remainder of the season for repeated violations of rules designed to protect the health and safety of players.
Kazee will be suspended for the remaining regular season games against the Cincinnati Bengals, Seattle Seahawks and Baltimore Ravens, as well as any postseason games if the Steelers make the playoffs.
The Steelers are on the bubble in the AFC, a matchup against the Colts, who hold the final playoff spot after their win over Pittsburgh Sunday.
Damontae Kazee has been suspended for the rest of the season after a brutal hit on Sunday
Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Kazee has the right to appeal the suspension, which will be heard by Derrick Brooks or James Thrash, the hearing officers jointly appointed and compensated by the NFL and NFLPA.
NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan issued the suspension and wrote a letter to Kazee stating: “With 8:49 remaining in the second quarter, you were involved in a play that the League considers a serious violation of the laws of the game considers.
“The video of the play shows that you delivered a forceful blow to the head and neck area of Colts' receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who was in a defenseless position. You had an unobstructed path to your opponent and the illegal contact could have been prevented. Your actions were egregious and as a result you were disqualified from the competition.”
Kazee collided heavily with Pittman Jr, causing the Colts star to leave the game
He also noted that this was not Kazee's first violation of the rules, adding: “If players repeatedly violate the rules designed to protect player safety, and especially if the violations create a significant risk of injury to a opponent, it is appropriate to impose significantly higher penalties.'
Kazee collided heavily with Pittman Jr. when the Colts star attempted a diving catch in the second quarter at Lucas Oil Stadium.
Pittman's teammates immediately surrounded him and some players from both teams took a knee as trainers tended to him. He left the field after lying on the ground for a few minutes.
The Colts announced later in the quarter that Pittman had a concussion and would not return.