Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair has been suspended for three games after a late hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawerence, which resulted in Lawerence being carted off the field with a concussion. The league made this announcement on Tuesday.
NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan stated in a letter that Al-Shaair’s hit was “unacceptable and a serious violation of the playing rules.” The letter mentioned, “Video evidence shows you striking the head/neck area of Jaguars’ quarterback Trevor Lawrence after he clearly went down in a feet-first slide. You led with your forearm and helmet, delivering a forceful blow to the head/neck area when you could have avoided contact.”
Runyan also highlighted Al-Shaair’s involvement in the on-field brawl that followed the hit, stating, “You further escalated the situation by pulling an opponent down to the ground by his facemask. After being disqualified for the hit and unsportsmanlike behavior, you removed your helmet and engaged in another physical confrontation near the end zone.”
Runyan criticized Al-Shaair’s actions, stating that they do not align with the core values of the NFL and are troubling. He emphasized that Al-Shaair’s disregard for playing rules puts both his and his opponents’ health and safety at risk and will not be tolerated.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned for updates.
