The NFL has not accepted either Azeez Al Shaair or his coach's excuse for the controversial hit that injured Jaguars starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Al Shail was suspended for three games by the NFL on Tuesday after diving headfirst into a sliding Lawrence, resulting in a concussion for the QB and sparking a brawl between the NFC South rivals.
“Your lack of sportsmanship and respect for the game of football and all those who play, coach, and watch the game is problematic,” NFL Vice President of Football Operations John Runyan said in a statement. “It does not reflect our core values.” said in a statement.
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans apparently blamed the late hit, which knocked Lawrence unconscious and into a fencing position, suggesting severe brain trauma.
“We support Azeez and everything that came out of it,” Lyons told reporters on Monday. “Obviously, it’s an unlucky hit on the quarterback, but it’s also doubly so. A lot of quarterbacks in this era try to take advantage of the late sliding rule to gain extra yards…
“It was unfortunate that Trevor got hurt. I hope Trevor is okay. But it's also true that if you're skiing, you have to get off. If you try to go over the limit, you go over the limit. This rule is there to protect quarterbacks, and we want quarterbacks to be safe in the league.”
As the quarterback began to slip, Al Shair slammed Lawrence high, hitting the back of his head on the ground.
Al Shail was sent off from the match.
Lawrence immediately sought medical attention from a team doctor, but a scuffle broke out as Jaguars players defended their franchise quarterback.
“The whole thing is that Azeez hit a player and the sideline overreacted and there was a scuffle,” Lyons said. “It wasn't our players. Their team overreacted and shoved our players and dragged them to the sideline, so that's unnecessary on that side. We were on the sideline. We have to be better.”
Lyons also told reporters that Al Shair is a “great human being” and a model for the game, but added that the Jaguars overreacted to the hit.
Al Sha'ir apologized to Lawrence on Monday morning, saying that as a defensive player, your only goal is to hit your opponent hard, but he prays that your opponent will get back on his feet soon.
“My goal is to hit you as hard as I can, and then pray that you can still get up and make the next play. And when the game is over, go home to your family without getting hurt, because it's a personal It's not about competition, it's about competition!'' he said in a statement.
Earlier this season, Al Shair was seen throwing a punch at Bears running back Roshon Johnson, and in 2022 he appeared to swing his arm at Tom Brady's throat during an attempted tackle.
Houston narrowly won Sunday's game, 23-20, as Mac Jones replaced Lawrence after a hit, which could end the quarterback's season.
