Azeez Al-Shaair suspension announced by NFL after Trevor Lawrence hit sparked wild Texans-Jaguars fight
Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair has been suspended by the NFL for three games without pay following his brutal hit on Trevor Lawrence last weekend.
Al-Shaair was ejected from Houston’s 23-20 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars after taking down Lawrence with a dangerous tackle that led to a bench-clearing brawl between both teams.
He then had to be restrained by his Texans teammates as the fight ensued, while Lawrence, who was eventually carted off the field with a concussion, lay motionless on the turf.
In the wake of his hit against the Jaguars quarterback, the NFL announced that Al-Shaair will serve a three-game suspension without pay, which also includes consideration of his role in the massive brawl and some of his previous offenses.
In a letter to the Texans defensive back, NFL vice president of football operations Jon Runyan told him he produced a tackle that the league considers “unacceptable and a serious violation of the Laws of the Game.”
“Video shows you hitting the head and neck area of Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence after he clearly fell to his feet,” the letter continued. “You led with your forearm and helmet and delivered a powerful blow to your opponent’s head/neck area while you had time and space to avoid such contact.
Azeez Al-Shaair has been suspended for three games by the NFL after his hit on Trevor Lawrence
‘After the illegal hit, you started a fight, which escalated when you pulled an opponent to the ground by his face mask. After the referee announced that you had been disqualified for the hit and your unsportsmanlike actions, you removed your helmet and re-engaged with your opponent as you walked across the field, initiating 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 disturbing and does not reflect the core values of the NFL…
“Your continued disregard for the NFL rules of the game endangers the health and safety of both you and your opponents and will not be tolerated.”
More to follow.