Texans linebacker Azeez Al Shaair says he met with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and two of his executives in his first comments since being suspended for the hit on Trevor Lawrence. did.
In a lengthy statement on social media Monday, Al Shail said that during the three-game suspension, Goodell, Vice President of Soccer Operations Troy Vincent and Vice President of Soccer Operations John Runyan He said that he had met him and expressed “how he was characterized in the letter.” He was sent by the NFL. ”
“I won't go into details, but the meeting we had was productive and my character and integrity will not be unfairly tainted and I will continue to move forward and play the game I love with the best of intentions. It gave me hope,” Al Shair wrote.
He was suspended by the league the day after he delivered a devastating hit to a sliding Lawrence during the Texans-Jaguars game on Dec. 1.
Lawrence suffered a concussion and was forced to miss the remainder of the season.
Al Shair apologized to Lawrence for the blow.
Runyan did not hold back from the NFL's official announcement regarding the suspension of Al Sha'air, who has a history of illegal play and problematic hitting that is considered dirty.
He had already been fined this season for throwing a punch at Bears running back Roshon Johnson.
“Your lack of sportsmanship and respect for the game of football and all those who play, coach, and watch football is problematic and in line with the NFL's core values,” the NFL said in a statement. It does not reflect that.” “…Your continued disregard for the NFL's rules of play is endangering the health and safety of you and your opponents and is unacceptable.”
That was completely unacceptable to the six-year veteran, and he made that clear to NFL leaders.
“During that conversation – one-on-one – I acknowledged and admitted that my actions after my sending off were thoughtless. In that moment, I did not think about the responsibility I had the privilege of representing the Shield.” Mr. Al Shair wrote. . “I also communicated that the letter, especially the language used in the letter, was equally careless and that the context of the words used did not reflect my personality or career. Because I wasn’t warned” for my play on the field. ”
