Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair was today suspended for three games without pay and told his “continued disregard for NFL playing rules will not be tolerated” and that his “lack of sportsmanship” was “troubling”.
Al-Shaair, who can appeal the verdict, was sanctioned by the NFL following his vicious forearm into the face of sliding Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence on Sunday.
It was not Al-Shaair’s first indiscretion over the course of a chequered career and the league has decided to act.
All Praise to Allah🤲🏾 pic.twitter.com/pEbCRAg8fF
— Azeez Al-shaair (@A_train2_) December 2, 2024
As part of its statement, the NFL included a letter from Jon Runyan, its vice-president of policy and rules administration, which read: “You were involved in a play that the [NFL] considers unacceptable and a serious violation of the playing rules.
“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.”
Lawrence’s teammates were livid and a brawl ensued after several confronted Al-Shaair.
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
Runyan added: “After the illegal hit, you proceeded to engage in a brawl, which you escalated when you pulled an opponent down to the ground by his facemask. After the referee announced that you were disqualified for the hit and your unsportsmanlike acts, you removed your helmet and reengaged with your opponent while walking down and across the field, which started another physical confrontation near the end zone.
“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. 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.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Al-Shaair plans to appeal but, should he lose, he would not be eligible to return until after Christmas.
All Praise to Allah🤲🏾 pic.twitter.com/pEbCRAg8fF
— Azeez Al-shaair (@A_train2_) December 2, 2024
Al-Shaair apologized to Lawrence yesterday, claiming: “I genuinely didn’t see him sliding until it was too late. And it all happens in the blink of an eye. To Trevor, I genuinely apologize to you for that ended up happening.
“I would never want to see any player hurt because of a hit I put on them especially one that’s deemed “late” or “unnecessary”.
