Azeez Al-Shaair suspension, explained: Why NFL banned Texans LB for 3 games

[T-post Tom]

Happy not to see your raggedy ass on the 21st mother****er. And your GM can stfu


Azeez Al-Shaair suspension, explained

Al-Shaair has been suspended three games "for repeated violations of rules intended to protect the health and safety of players and promote sportsmanship," the NFL said in an official release.

As noted above, Al-Shaair is considered to be a repeat offender of unsportsmanlike plays, contributing to his three-game suspension without pay. Al-Shaair is eligible to return to the field during Houston's regular-season finale in Week 18.

NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan issued the suspension and had the following to say of Al-Shaair's hit on Lawrence:

During your game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 1, with 4:20 remaining in the second quarter, you were involved in a play that the League considers unacceptable and a serious violation of the playing rules. Video shows you striking the head/neck area of Jaguars' quarterback Trevor Lawrence after he clearly goes down for a feet-first slide…You led with your forearm and helmet and delivered a forceful blow to the head/neck area of your opponent when you had time and space to avoid such contact.

In addition to the hit on Lawrence, the NFL's announcement cited Al-Shaair's escalation of the on-field brawl and the removal of his helmet to reengage with Jaguars players before exiting the field as reasons for the ban.

Al-Shaair is appealing his three-game suspension, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. Players are permitted to appeal League-imposed suspensions per the Collective Bargaining Agreement.

Texans GM Nick Caserio did not hold back when he addressed the media about Al-Shaair's suspension.

A fiery Caserio cited other examples of punishments handed to other players, claiming there is "no consistency relative to the level of discipline that's been handed down." He went on to speak highly of Al-Shaair's character, calling parts of the NFL's statement "embarrassing" and "bulls—."

Azee Al-Shaair timeline of trouble

Al-Shaair is in his sixth NFL season and his first with the Texans. His hit on Lawrence is the third notable incident of his career and his second notable incident of the 2024 season.

Tom Brady throat grab

In 2022, Al-Shaair put his hands on Tom Brady's throat during a game between the 49ers and Buccaneers. In response, Brady checked in with the officials to ask why the linebacker wasn't called for a penalty.

Roschon Johnson punch

In Week 2 of the 2024 season, Al-Shaair delivered a punch to the helmet of Bears RB Roschon Johnson at the end of a play on "Sunday Night Football." Officials did not see the punch and Al-Shaair was not penalized in the moment.

The punch came after Al-Shaair delivered a hard hit on Bears QB Caleb Williams, though it wasn't a head-to-head blow. He was later fined $11,000 for the punch, and Texans coach DeMeco Ryans told reporters, "we can’t throw punches," while defending the hit on Williams.

Trevor Lawrence hit, ejection

Al-Shaair was ejected Sunday after a devastating hit to Lawrence's head, knocking the Jaguars quarterback out of the game. Al-Shaair continued to fight with various Jaguars after the play, and was escorted off the field by security.

Trevor Lawrence injury update

Lawrence has been diagnosed with a concussion from the hit, the Jaguars announced Sunday.

Following the game, Lawrence emerged from the locker room with his wife, Marissa, walking under his own power. Head coach Doug Pederson did not confirm nor deny whether Lawrence would play again this year, but he did mention he will enter concussion protocol. Lawrence made it home after the game and says that he is feeling better.


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