The NFL has suspended Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair 3 games for his hit to the head of Jacksonville QB Trevor Lawrence in his teams 23-20 victory Sunday.
Al-Shaair was ejected for the act, and Lawrence was ultimately carted off the field with his status for Week 14 and beyond currently in doubt.
In a statement prepared by NFL VP of Football Operations, Jon Runyan, 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. 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.”
“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.”
Texans GM Nick Caserio came to the defence of Al-Shaair when speaking with members of the press on Tuesday. “I think one of the biggest issues that we sort of take umbrage with as a team and organizationally is a picture that’s been painted of Azeez that, quite frankly, is unfair,” Caserio said.
“We’re going to say Azeez Al-Shaair, nobody embodies our program more than Azeez. What he’s about, what he’s been through. … There’s not a more selfless individual, more about the team who’s earned the respect, that represents everything we want this program to be about.”
“…some of the commentary that has been made about his character, about the person that he is and his intentions are from people who, quite frankly, don’t know anything about Azeez Al-Shaair.”
“All teams ask for is consistency from the league,” Caserio said. “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.”
Al-Shaair is currently in his 6th NFL season and has started 10 games for the Texans, posting 68 tackles, 2 sacks, and 4 pass break ups. Houston is entering their bye week, but will return to the field on Sunday Dec 15th to take on the Miami Dolphins.
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