The NFL suspended Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair three games for his late hit on Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence during Houston’s Week 13 win over Jacksonville.
Al-Shaair’s suspension comes less than three months after the NFL fined him $11,817 for unnecessary roughness against the Chicago Bears. In the Week 2 meeting, Al-Shaair hit Caleb Williams near the sideline while the Bears quarterback ran out of bounds. Following the fight that ensued from that play, Al-Shaair threw a punch.
The NFL also penalized and later fined Al-Shaair $11,255 for a late hit on Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard last week.
NFL vice president of football operations Jon Runyan noted his past discipline in a letter to Al-Shaair about the suspension.
“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,” Runyan wrote to Al-Shaair. “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 can still appeal the suspension. If he misses three games, he won’t be able to return until the team’s Week 18 game at the Tennessee Titans.
Al-Shaair apologized Monday through a statement on X for his shot on Lawrence, who left Sunday’s game with a concussion after the blow on a slide in the second quarter.
“I genuinely didn’t see him sliding until it was too late,” Al-Shaair said. “And it all happens in the blink of an eye. To Trevor I genuinely apologize to you for what ended up happening. Before the game we spoke and I told you how it was great to see you back on the field and wished you well. 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.’”
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After the Week 13 hit, which occurred in the back half of the second quarter, Jaguars tight end Evan Engram ran to Al-Shaair and shoved him while Lawrence remained on the ground. A scuffle between Jaguars and Texans players ensued while medical personnel attended to Lawrence.
Officials ejected Al-Shaair and Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones from the game for unnecessary roughness and Engram received a 15-yard penalty for unnecessary roughness. Coaches and officials had to escort Al-Shaair off the field because he continued arguing with Jaguars players, notably offensive lineman Brandon Scherff.
As Al-Shaair walked off the field, he exchanged words with Jaguars fans, who were seen throwing objects and trash at the 27-year-old linebacker.
“To the rest of his teammates, I can definitely understand you having his back and defending him in a situation like that,” Al-Shaair said in his post.
When asked for clarification on Al-Shaair and Jones’ ejections, referee Land Clark said Al-Shaair’s was for an illegal hit on Lawrence and Jones’ because he came off the bench and threw a punch at a player. Clark said Engram wasn’t ejected because his shove “didn’t warrant a disqualification, but it was unnecessary roughness.”
Engram said he pushed Al-Shaair because his instinct took over after he saw the hit on Lawrence and he wanted to stand up for the quarterback.
“It was a dirty hit,” Engram said. “Those hits are always in question. … I saw (Lawrence) sliding and then I saw the hit. Honestly, (instinct) took over. I just knew it was wrong. It was just a dirty play and you stick up for your guys.”
Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud added: “It was tough, man, to see Trev go out like that,” but defended Al-Shaair. “Azeez, I don’t think that’s his intent. … I know he didn’t intend to do that. He’s gotta be more careful.”
Here is what Texans QB CJ Stroud had to say about Azeez Al-Shaair’s hit on Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence. pic.twitter.com/JxsjNPoz9w
— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) December 1, 2024
In his Monday social media post, Al-Shaair also addressed those who criticized him in the media, as well as those who attacked him verbally through social media.
“To the rest of the people, who I’ve been called every single name in the book from reporters with their hands ready for a story to find their villain, to racist and Islamophobic fans and people, you don’t know my heart nor my character which I don’t need to prove to any of you,” Al-Shaair said. “God knows my intentions and anyone who has ever been a teammate or friend of mine knows my heart.”
Sunday marked Lawrence’s first game back since Week 9 as he recovered from a shoulder injury. Before sustaining the concussion, Lawrence went 4-of-10 for 41 passing yards with an interception. Backup QB Mac Jones took Lawrence’s place and finished 20-of-32 for 235 yards and two touchdowns.
Lawrence posted Sunday night thanking fans for their support.
“I’m home and feeling better. Means a lot, thank you all,” Lawrence said via X.
(Photo: Mike Carlson / Getty Images)
