SADLY:A Steelers player has been suspended for the rest of the season after being hit during a Colts game.

SADLY:A Steelers player has been suspended for the rest of the season after being hit during a Colts game.

WISH (Indianapolis) – According to an NFL press release, Damontae Kazee of the Pittsburgh Steelers has been banned without pay for the rest of the season and any playoff games.

According to the NFL, Kazee is a serial offender who violated playing regulations designed to protect players’ health and safety.

“With 8:49 remaining in the second quarter, you were involved in a play that the League considers a serious violation of the playing rules,” the NFL noted in a letter to Kazee. According to the video of the play, you delivered a violent blow to the head/neck area of Colts receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who was in a vulnerable posture. You had an unimpeded approach to your opponent and could have avoided the illegal contact. Because your conduct were egregious, you were disqualified from the game.”

The suspension was issued by NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan for a violation of Rule 12, Section 2, Article 9 (b)(1), which states that it is a foul if a player “forcefully hits the defenseless player’s head or neck area with the helmet, facemask, forearm, or shoulder, even if the initial contact is lower than the player’s neck, and regardless of whether the defensive player also tackles the defenseless player by encircling or grasping him.”

According to Article 9 (a)(3), a player in a defenseless posture includes “[a] player attempting to catch a pass who has not had time to clearly become a runner…”

“[A] player who initiates contact against a defenseless opponent is responsible for avoiding an illegal act,” says Rule 12, Section 2, Article 9. A stringent liability standard applies to any contact against an opponent, even if his body position is in motion, and regardless of any actions he takes in anticipation of contact, such as ducking his head or curling up his body.”

Kazee was removed from the game, and Pittman Jr. was concussed and did not return.

Kazee will miss games against Cincinnati, Seattle, and Baltimore, as well as any potential postseason games.

The Colts are in the midst of a playoff run and will play the Falcons on Christmas Eve in Atlanta.