Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair has seen his three-game suspension for an illegal hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence upheld after an appeal.
The NFL said Al-Shaair has committed repeated violations of rules intended to protect the health and safety of players and promote sportsmanship.
Al-Shaair was ejected from Sunday’s 23-20 after raising his forearm to Lawrence with a late hit during a second and 7 play. The 27-year-old later appealed the decision.
NFL vice president of football operations Jon Runyan announced the suspension, citing Al-Shaair’s repeated offences and “lack of sportsmanship”.
Runyan’s latter said: “During your game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 1, with 4:20 remaining in the second quarter, you were involved in a play that the League considers unacceptable and a serious violation of the playing rules.
“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.”
Al-Shaair has since responded to the decision, writing on X: “IF YOU WANT ME TO BE YOUR VILLAIN, ILL BE YOUR VILLAIN!SEE YOU SOON.”
IF YOU WANT ME TO BE YOUR VILLAIN, ILL BE YOUR VILLAIN!🖕🏾SEE YOU SOON…🃏 pic.twitter.com/GA5FMglMjz
— Azeez Al-shaair (@A_train2_) December 5, 2024
Houston general manager Nick Caserio defended Al-Shaair and said he doesn’t believe the league is using consistency in issuing punishments like these.
“I probably speak for a lot of teams, not only the Houston Texans, but I think that’s all teams ask for is consistency from the league,” he said.
“And I’d say in this situation, quite frankly, there’s no consistency at all relative to the level of discipline that’s been handed down.”
