Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair has received a three-game suspension without pay from the NFL for multiple breaches of player safety regulations. This decision comes after a significant incident involving a hit to the head of Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, which resulted in a concussion for the quarterback.
The suspension was communicated by Jon Runyan, the NFL’s vice president of football operations. In his correspondence to Al-Shaair, Runyan highlighted that the linebacker has a history of personal fouls and violations related to sportsmanship over recent seasons.
“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,” Runyan stated. He further noted that after the illegal hit, Al-Shaair instigated a brawl by pulling an opponent down by the facemask, escalating the situation. Following the referee’s decision to disqualify him for the hit and unsportsmanlike conduct, Al-Shaair removed his helmet and reengaged with his opponent, sparking another confrontation near the end zone.
“Your lack of sportsmanship and respect for the game of football and all those who play, coach, and enjoy watching it is troubling and does not reflect the core values of the NFL. Your continued disregard for NFL playing rules puts the health and safety of both you and your opponents in jeopardy and will not be tolerated,” Runyan emphasized in his letter.
After recovering from a sprained left shoulder that kept him out of two games, Lawrence was back in the lineup. During a crucial second-and-7 play in the second quarter of Houston’s 23-20 victory, he attempted to slide but was met with a forearm strike from Al-Shaair, who failed to protect the vulnerable quarterback.
Following the hit, Lawrence exhibited the “fencing response,” a physical reflex often associated with traumatic brain injuries, clenching his fists in reaction. He remained on the ground for several minutes, as teammates rushed to defend him and confronted Al-Shaair over the incident.
