Azeez Al-Shaair’s Brutal Hit on Trevor Lawrence Leads to Shocking 3-Game Suspension

Azeez Al-Shaair Suspended for Three Games After Violent Hit on Trevor Lawrence

Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair has been suspended for three games without pay by the NFL due to repeated violations of player safety rules. The suspension follows his violent hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, which resulted in a concussion.

Al-Shaair’s penalty was announced by NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan. In the official letter to Al-Shaair, Runyan emphasized that the linebacker’s repeated offenses for personal fouls and unsportsmanlike conduct had led to this decision. This suspension marks a significant blow to the Texans’ defense, especially as they enter the critical stretch of the season.

The incident occurred during the second quarter of Houston’s 23-20 win over Jacksonville. Lawrence, who had returned to the field after missing two games with a sprained shoulder, attempted a slide while scrambling on a second-and-7 play. As Lawrence initiated the slide, Al-Shaair made contact with him by leading with his forearm and helmet, striking the quarterback in the head and neck area. This hit occurred despite Al-Shaair having the time and space to avoid such contact.

Runyan labeled the hit “unacceptable” and a serious violation of playing rules, noting the linebacker’s decision to strike a defenseless quarterback. He pointed out that video evidence clearly showed Al-Shaair making a forceful blow to Lawrence’s head after he had already slid to the ground.

In response to the suspension, Al-Shaair is appealing the decision, though the process is ongoing, according to sources familiar with the situation. Texans general manager Nick Caserio voiced his disagreement with the suspension, arguing that the NFL has not been consistent in issuing punishments for similar infractions across the league. Caserio noted that some players who were ejected for illegal hits earlier this season faced less severe penalties.

If the suspension is upheld, Al-Shaair will miss the Texans’ next three games, including their Christmas Day matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. With a base salary of $1.5 million, Al-Shaair stands to lose approximately $265,000 for the duration of his suspension.

The hit on Lawrence led to a frenzied reaction on the field, with Lawrence’s teammate Brandon Scherff confronting Al-Shaair, and a brawl escalating between the teams. As Al-Shaair was ejected from the game, fans directed anger toward him, and a fan threw a water bottle at Texans’ player Will Anderson, who was escorting Al-Shaair off the field.

This was not Al-Shaair’s first brush with disciplinary action this season. He had previously been fined for a late hit on Titans’ running back Tony Pollard and also punished for a punch thrown at Bears’ running back Roschon Johnson.

In his defense, Al-Shaair apologized to Lawrence in a heartfelt post on X (formerly Twitter), claiming that he did not see Lawrence begin his slide until it was too late. He described the hit as happening “in the blink of an eye” and expressed regret for the situation.

Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans and his teammates have expressed support for Al-Shaair, believing that he did not intend to cause harm. However, Jaguars’ coach Doug Pederson called the hit “unacceptable” and stated that the incident might lead the team to consider shutting Lawrence down for the season.

This suspension also adds Al-Shaair’s name to a growing list of NFL players who have been punished for repeated violations of player safety rules. Previous players like Kareem Jackson and Denzel Perryman have faced similar suspensions, some of which were later reduced after appeals.

Ultimately, Al-Shaair’s suspension serves as a stark reminder of the NFL’s commitment to player safety, especially when it comes to protecting quarterbacks from violent hits. It will also be an important moment for the Texans’ defense, as they must now adapt to playing without one of their key players during a pivotal part of the season.