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The NFL is being ripped by fans for promoting a hard hit by Damontae Kazee just days before the league handed him a suspension. The play came in the Steelers’ recent matchup against the Colts, the same contest in which the defensive back was ejected for unnecessary roughness.
Kazee will be sidelined without pay for the remainder of the year following an NFL ruling regarding a tackle on Indianapolis wide receiver Michael Pittman.
As Pittman laid out to catch a pass from quarterback Gardner Minshew, he was decked by Kazee producing a scary scene.
Damontae Kazee was ejected for this hit on Michael Pittman Jr.
pic.twitter.com/W1QPDBnTyY— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) December 16, 2023
The safety was penalized 15 yards and removed from the game shortly after that play, and situation soon escalated.
Sending a message about their player safety guidelines, the NFL suspended Kazee for the last three games of the season, as well as the postseason should the Steelers making the playoffs. The league labeled Kazee as being a repeat offender, leading to the decision.
While the hit was vicious, a number of viewers disagreed with the suspension. That included seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady, who believes some blame should be placed on quarterbacks for putting their receivers in dangerous situations.
The NFL is now catching even more heat with social media followers reacting to a clip posted from that Steelers-Colts game.
NFL promotes Damontae Kazee hit before suspension
Damontae Kazee preventing the first down and then some 😳
📺: #PITvsIND on @NFLNetwork
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/vtmfEKvOLy pic.twitter.com/K1PMs58IDd— NFL (@NFL) December 16, 2023
Earlier in the contest, Kazee was seen laying the wood on another Indianapolis wideout. The big hit prevented the Colts from getting a first down on a drive in which they’d miss a field goal.
“Damontae Kazee preventing the first down and then some,” the caption read, promoting the shot that the DB delivered.
Those words come off a bit hypocritical following the decision made two days later, and fans were quick to comment.
“The NFL suspends him but glorifies him for making big hits?? Make it make sense.”
“Promote big hits then suspend him for said big hits.”
“Wait, I know this isn’t who y’all just suspended.”
Tough look for the NFL.