BREAKING: NFL Suspends Houston Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair Until 2025

The NFL described Al-Shaair's actions as "a play that the League considers unacceptable and a serious violation of the playing rules."

Source: Icon Sportswire / Getty

Two days after his “dirty hit” against Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence, the NFL has announced their decision against Azeez Al-Shaair of the Houston Texans.

Al-Shaair was hit with a three-game suspension by the NFL, and the league noted Al-Shaair’s multiple offenses for personal fouls and sportsmanship-related rules violations in recent seasons as deciding factors in their ruling.

During the first half of the Texans’ 23-20 win Sunday (Dec 1.), Lawrence scrambled before sliding while the ball was in play. With the slide already in progress, Al-Shaair went in on a tackle leading with his forearm, resulting in Lawrence’s head slamming against the field. In response, Jaguars tight end Evan Engram pushed Al-Shaair resulting in a brawl between the Texans and Jaguars.

Engram was flagged for a personal foul, while Al-Shaair and Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones, who left the bench and threw a punch, were both ejected.

Al-Shaair took to social media Monday (Dec. 2) and shared his side of the events, posting a statement on his X (Twitter) account in which he replays the moments leading up to the massive hit and says it was nothing personal against Lawrence.

“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,” he began in his statement. “My goal is to hit you as hard as I can and they pray you’re still able to get up and play the next play. And when the game is over go home to your family unharmed because it’s not personal it’s just competition! We both are trying to do the same thing which is provide for our families!”

“I genuinely didn’t see him sliding until it was too late,” Al-Shaair continued. “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 out 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.’”

The 27-year-old also thanked his supporters and promised to “work harder than ever” as a thank you for having his back.

“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,” Jon Runyan, NFL vice president of Football Operations, wrote in the league’s suspension letter 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.”

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