Even after labeling the NFL as “mediocre” and bidding farewell to the league, Tom Brady’s presence continues to linger in the minds of fans who perceive the NFL’s charm diminishing without TB12. Despite the seven-time Super Bowl winner’s criticism of the league since his retirement, his influence remains palpable.
In a recent development, the NFL’s decision to suspend Steelers safety Damontae Kazee for the remainder of the season due to a hit on Colts receiver Michael Pittman reignited Brady’s ire.
Tom Brady on Damontae Kazee’s season-long suspension
Tom Brady’s comments, shared on SportsCenter’s Instagram post covering the suspension for an illegal hit on Colts receiver Michael Pittman Jr., initiated a debate on quarterback responsibility and the league’s approach to player protection.
Rather than solely condemning the defender, the 46-year-old placed some responsibility on quarterbacks for their role in such incidents.
In his comment, Brady suggested that better passes from quarterbacks could potentially prevent situations leading to illegal hits on receivers. His statement challenged the conventional story that often puts the blame solely on defensive players for hard hits.
“QB’s should not be throwing the ball in areas where they are exposing their own teammates to these types of hits.”
Tom Brady on Damontae Kazee’s season long suspension for the hit on Michael Pittman jr:
— JPAFootball (@jasrifootball) December 18, 2023
“QBs should not be throwing the ball in areas where they are exposing their own teammates to these types of hits. Coaches need to coach better, QBs needs to read coverages and throw the ball… pic.twitter.com/BLp7A40Vyw
The former quarterback continued his critique by calling for improved coaching and decision-making on the part of quarterbacks. With his comprehensive perspective, he demanded a collective responsibility among players and coaching staff to enhance player safety.
“Coaches need to coach better, QBs need to read coverages and throw the ball to the right places, and defenders should aim for the right hitting areas.”
Brady’s comments also appeared to single out a specific quarterback, Gardner Minshew, while urging that quarterbacks, in general, should be more cautious with their throws.
“To put the blame on the defensive player all the time is just flat out wrong. Need better QB play!! It’s not OK for QBs to get your WRs hit because of your bad decisions!”
This latest stance from Tom Terrific follows his earlier criticism of the NFL’s player protection policies, asserting that the league puts too much burden on defensive players. By defending Kazee’s hit on Pittman Jr., Tom Brady not only adds complexity to the ongoing debate on player safety but also challenges traditional perspectives on accountability in the game.
Why was Damontae Kazee suspended?
On Monday, the NFL officially suspended Damontae Kazee for the rest of the 2023 NFL season after ejecting him instantly during the game, per ESPN India.
Kazee’s ejection occurred during the second quarter of Saturday’s game, as Pittman dove for a deep ball, leaving him defenseless when Kazee delivered a shoulder blow to the wideout’s head. Later, Pittman’s concussion resulted in his removal from the game.
The NFL’s decision has sparked widespread discussion, with the Steelers’ players planning to appeal the ruling but facing potential consequences that could extend beyond the regular season.
NFL Vice President of football operations Jon Runyan addressed Kazee directly in a statement, emphasizing that the safety had an unobstructed path to his opponent and the illegal contact could have been avoided. Runyan’s assessment deemed Kazee’s actions flagrant, warranting disqualification for the remainder of the season.
The announcement on the season-long suspension of Steelers’ safety Damontae Kazee: pic.twitter.com/TFjslvhGgp
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 18, 2023
The league’s decision is grounded in a specific rule that prohibits players from forcibly hitting a defenseless player’s head or neck area with the helmet, facemask, forearm, or shoulder, irrespective of the initial contact point being lower than the player’s neck.
Kazee’s season-long suspension adds to a series of fines he has incurred throughout the season, totaling $59,030 for other unnecessary roughness violations, which J.J. Watt sees as a way of “stealing money”.
As the appeal process continues, the league’s commitment to player safety remains in the spotlight, with Damontae Kazee’s case serving as a focal point for discussions on the balance between aggression and protection in the NFL.
