“Your continued disregard for NFL playing rules puts the health and safety of both you and your opponents in jeopardy and will not be tolerated.”
The NFL suspended Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair for three games on Tuesday for his illegal hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
During Sunday’s game between the division rivals, Al-Shaair nailed Lawrence in the helmet while the QB slid to avoid being hit. Lawrence immediately clenched both fists after the hit, a reaction medical professionals say is common when enduring a traumatic brain injury. The Jaguars leader was carted off the field and later diagnosed with a concussion.
The NFL’s vice president of football operations, Jon Runyan, said the hit was “unacceptable,” ESPN reported.
“You were involved in a play that the (NFL) considers unacceptable and a serious violation of the playing rules,” Runyan wrote to Al-Shaair on Tuesday. “Video shows you striking the head/neck area of Jaguars’ quarterback Trevor Lawrence after he clearly goes down in a feet-first slide. … You led with your forearm and helmet and delivered a forceful blow to the head/neck area of your opponent when you had time and space to avoid such contact.”
It is now anticipated that Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair will be suspended for the hit that he delivered Sunday to Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence. The only question is for how long. pic.twitter.com/P8phFecS02
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 2, 2024
The six-year NFL veteran was also reprimanded for taking part in the brawl that occurred after his hit on Lawrence. Runyan said Al-Shaair “escalated” the fight “when [he] pulled an opponent down to the ground by his facemask.” After Al-Shaair was ejected from the game on Sunday, he “removed [his] helmet and reengaged with [his] opponent while walking down and across the field, which started another physical confrontation near the end zone.”
Al-Shaair apologized to Lawrence “for what ended up happening,” writing in a statement on Monday that he “genuinely didn’t see him sliding until it was too late.” Al-Shaair also slammed reporters and “racist and islamophobic (sic) fans and people” who have “called [him] every single name in the book.”
“[You] don’t know my heart nor my character which I don’t need to prove to any of you,” he added. “God knows my intentions and anyone who has ever been a teammate or friend of mine knows my heart.”
All Praise to Allah🤲🏾 pic.twitter.com/pEbCRAg8fF
— Azeez Al-shaair (@A_train2_) December 2, 2024
The three-game suspension marks the third time this season that the NFL has punished Al-Shaair for his “disregard” for the league’s rules. Last week, the linebacker was fined $11,250 for a late hit on Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard. Earlier this year, Al-Shaair was fined $11,817 after he punched Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson during a scuffle on the sideline.
“Your lack of sportsmanship and respect for the game of football and all those who play, coach, and enjoy watching it, is troubling and does not reflect the core values of the NFL,” Runyan added. “Your continued disregard for NFL playing rules puts the health and safety of both you and your opponents in jeopardy and will not be tolerated.”
