HOUSTON — Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair has been handed a three-game suspension by the NFL without pay due to repeated infractions related to player safety. This decision comes after Al-Shaair’s aggressive hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, which resulted in a concussion for Lawrence.
The NFL’s vice president of football operations, Jon Runyan, communicated the suspension to Al-Shaair, citing his history of personal fouls and violations of sportsmanship rules in recent seasons. The incident took place during a game in which the Texans defeated the Jaguars 23-20. In an attempt to make a play, Lawrence scrambled and initiated a slide, but Al-Shaair made contact with him, leading to the serious injury.
In his letter detailing the suspension, Runyan labeled the hit as “unacceptable” and emphasized that Al-Shaair had ample opportunity to avoid making contact with the quarterback, especially in the head and neck area.
Al-Shaair is currently appealing the suspension, according to sources familiar with the process.
Houston’s general manager, Nick Caserio, expressed his concerns regarding the NFL’s approach to punishment, questioning the consistency of their disciplinary actions. He pointed out that other players who have committed similar offenses this season received different treatment, some facing no suspension at all.
If Al-Shaair’s suspension is upheld, he will miss games leading up to and including the Texans’ match against the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Day. This suspension could cost him approximately $265,000 of his $1.5 million salary for the season.
Following the incident, and in a show of support for Lawrence, his teammates rushed to protect him from Al-Shaair, resulting in a brief brawl on the field. In the aftermath, fans reacted strongly against Al-Shaair, and a confrontation took place as he was escorted off the field by teammate Will Anderson.
Runyan also noted Al-Shaair’s conduct post-hit, mentioning that he participated in the ensuing brawl, further escalating tensions on the field.
This marks Al-Shaair’s third punishment from the league this season, having faced fines for previous unsportsmanlike conduct, including late hits on opposing players. In his letter, Runyan criticized Al-Shaair’s lack of respect for the sport and the dangers posed by his actions.
Caserio defended Al-Shaair, expressing disappointment with claims regarding the linebacker’s intent. He emphasized the importance of player safety but argued that the comments made were unwarranted and hurtful to Al-Shaair’s character.
In a heartfelt message on social media, Al-Shaair apologized to Lawrence, stating he did not notice the slide until it was too late. Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson criticized the play, insisting that such actions have no place in the league and hinted at the possibility of managing Lawrence’s playing time moving forward given his injury.
Al-Shaair’s situation highlights the ongoing challenges the NFL faces in balancing player safety with the physical nature of the game, an issue that has been at the forefront of league discussions in recent years.
