The Texans secured a 23-20 win on Sunday against the Jaguars, but they lost much more going forward after linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair was ejected and then promptly suspended this week for his actions.
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the NFL is suspending the Texans linebacker for three games for repeat violations of its health and safety rules, including his hit on Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence in Week 13, which rendered him unconscious and sent him to concussion protocol.
His past actions aided in his long suspension, as did his behavior after the dirty hit, which saw him being held back from fighting multiple players on the Jags. He ultimately walked into the tunnel with security escorting him.
Lawrence was carted back to the locker room and quickly ruled out, though he was conscious and able to sit up.
NFL VP of Football Operations Jon Runyan sent a scathing letter to Azeez Al-Shaair that read in part: “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.”
He was only getting started in the full announcement:
In a letter to Al-Shaair, NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan wrote that his lack of sportsmanship and respect for the game is troubling pic.twitter.com/yXz8GADR0c
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) December 3, 2024
Al-Shaair had an on-field infraction earlier in the season when he threw a punch and received a fine over it.
Unless something changes with his suspension, he will not be available to return until Week 17.
So far in 2024, Azeez Al-Shaair has appeared in 10 games for the Texans and recorded 68 total tackles, including seven tackles for loss, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and four passes defended.
Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair’s Apology Did Not Help His Case
Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said the play from Azeez Al-Shaair was “not representative of who we are” but defended his character. “It’s not representative of who Azeez is. He’s a smart player. Really great leader for us.”
The following day, Al-Shaair tried his best to calm everyone by issuing an apology and explaining what was going through his head during the hit that knocked out Trevor Lawrence.
His statement read in part, “I’ve always played the game as hard as I could. Never with the intent to harm anyone and anybody that knows me knows that. My goal is to hit you as hard as I can then I pray you’re still able to get up and play the next play.”
Hitting someone as hard as possible might be fine for every other player except for the quarterback, and now he is finding out the consequences of his actions.
He has been suspended by the NFL for three games without pay after his brutal hit on Trevor Lawrence.
