Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio announced his decision to suspend linebacker Trevor Lawrence after the league handed him a three-game suspension following a brutal hit on Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence on Sunday. He accused the NFL of what he called “unfair treatment” of Aziz Al Shaair.
Video of the horrifying hit went viral after Al Shail collided with Lawrence as the quarterback tried to slide. The hit resulted in an immediate flag and ejection, and a huge brawl broke out between both teams.
After the match, Al Shair posted an apology, claiming he never meant to hurt Lawrence. He also targeted “racist and Islamophobic” fans who criticized the “Free Palestine” cleats that Hitt and Al Sha'ir wore during the game.
On Tuesday, the league announced a three-game suspension for Al Sha'air, which NFL Vice President of Football Jon Runyan called a “serious violation of the rules of play.”
In response to Runyan's statement and the rhetoric that has sprung up since the illegal hit, Caserio defended the player and blamed the NFL.
“It's an unfortunate play and situation,” Caserio said. “One of the biggest issues that we are upset about as a team and as an organization is the image that is being portrayed about Azeez, which is frankly unfair. I can tell you, I'm probably speaking for a lot of teams, not just the Houston Texans, but I think all teams want is consistency in the league, frankly, in this situation. There is no consistency in the level of discipline.”
Texans executives also accused the league of making statements that tarnished Al Shair's reputation and character without knowing him personally.
“What we're talking about is some of the comments that have been made by people who frankly don't know anything about Aziz al-Sha'ir about his personality, who he is, what his intentions are. The league's comments about the lack of sportsmanship, lack of coaching ability, and lack of attention to the rules are frankly embarrassing.”
Caserio referred to portions of Runyan's letter that portrayed Al Sha'il as a stain on the league.
“Your lack of sportsmanship and respect for the game of football and all those who play, coach, and watch it is problematic and does not reflect the core values of the NFL. “Hmm…your continued disregard for the NFL's rules of play puts the health and safety of football at risk. Both you and your opponents are at risk and will not be tolerated,” Runyan wrote. I am.
Caserio continued, “What we're outraged about is the picture that's being painted about Azeez, his intentions, and the person he is. Frankly, that's bullshit. It's very unfair, but we love everything about Aziz Al Sha'air.”
