The NFL announced Tuesday that Houston Texans forward Azeez Al Shaair has been suspended for three games. The league announced that the 27-year-old linebacker will not receive pay during his suspension.
The NFL claimed there were multiple violations of player safety rules after Al Shair delivered a hard blow to the head of Trevor Lawrence. The Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback was carried off the field and diagnosed with a concussion. Al Shail was disqualified after receiving a blow.
In the letter announcing Al Sha'air's suspension, NFL Vice President of Football Operations John Runyan cited the linebacker's personal fouls and sportsmanship-related violations over the past few seasons. did.
Houston Texans general manager Nick Caserio met with members of the media on Tuesday to refute statements about Al Shaair that he believes have surfaced in the days since his controversial hit.
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Texans GM Nick Caserio before the Indianapolis Colts game at NRG Stadium in Houston on September 17, 2023. (Maria Lysaker-USA Today Sports)
Caserio accused the NFL of painting an “unfair” image of Al Sha'air.
“It's an unfortunate play and situation,” Caserio said. “One of the biggest issues that we're kind of upset about as a team and as an organization is the image that's being portrayed about Azeez, which frankly is unfair. I think one of the biggest issues is… I think consistency is all that a lot of teams, not just the Houston Texans, are looking for in the league, but frankly this… In the circumstances, it can be said that there is no consistency at all compared to the level of discipline that has been handed down. ”
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Caserio also suggested that the league made the comments without truly understanding Al Sha'air's personal character.
“We are talking about some commentary that has been made by people who frankly know nothing about Aziz al-Shayr about his character, who he is and what his intentions are. For the league to do that. Some of the comments they've made about the lack of sportsmanship, the lack of coaching ability, the lack of attention to the rules, are frankly embarrassing.”
Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence slides in front of Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al Shaair at Everbank Stadium on December 1, 2024 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Nathan Ray Seebeck Iman Images)
Part of Runyan's letter explored Al Shail's “lack of sportsmanship” and suggested he “disregards the NFL's rules of play.”
“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 at risk, putting both you and your opponents at risk, and will not be tolerated,” Runyan wrote.
Nevertheless, Caserio revealed that the organization he works for loves “everything” about the veteran linebacker.
Texans general manager Nick Caserio walks across the field before a game against the Los Angeles Chargers at NRG Stadium in Houston on October 2, 2022. (Bob Levy/Getty Images)
“…What we are outraged about is the picture that is being painted about Azeez, his intentions, who he is as a person, which frankly is bullshit—. It's not fair, it's not fair to the organization and we love everything about Azeez,” said Al Shail. ”
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Mr Al Shail apologized to Mr Lawrence on Monday.
“I have always played the game to the best of my ability. It was never my intention to hurt anyone and anyone who knows me knows that.” Al Shail wrote X, formerly known as Twitter. “My goal is to hit you as hard as I can, and I hope you can still get up and make the next play. And when the game is over, go home to your family without getting hurt. This is a personal Because it's not a competition, it's just a competition! We're both trying to do the same thing for our family! I didn't really see him slipping until it was too late, and It all happens in the blink of an eye.
“Dear Trevor, we are very sorry that this has happened. We spoke before the game and we said we were very happy to see you back on the field and wished you well. I never want to see players get hurt, especially the hits I give them that are deemed “slow” or “unnecessary.” To all his teammates, I can definitely see you supporting him and protecting him in a situation like that. ”
Al-Sha'ir also targeted members of the media who he believed had painted him as a “villain.”
“The rest of the people I've been called every name in this book, from reporters preparing stories to find the villain, to racist and Islamophobic fans and people, you You don't even know my heart. I don't need to prove my character to you. God knows my intentions, and anyone who has ever been my teammate or friend knows what I mean. I know the heart of
It remains unclear whether Al Shail will appeal. However, if his suspension is upheld, he will not be eligible to return to the Texans' active roster until after Houston's Christmas Day game against the Ravens.
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