NFL drops the hammer on Texans veteran after controversial play that hurt star NFL player
The NFL announced that they have suspended Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair for three-games due to his helmet-to-helmet hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence. It was determined that he "repeated violations of rules intended to protect the health and safety of players and promote sportsmanship." He is suspended without pay. NFL Vice President of Football […]
The NFL announced that they have suspended Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair for three-games due to his helmet-to-helmet hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
It was determined that he "repeated violations of rules intended to protect the health and safety of players and promote sportsmanship." He is suspended without pay.
NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan issued a statement on the suspension, and there was one line that really stood out. It was a clear message from the NFL.
"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," Runyan wrote. "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.”'
Al-Shaair can return after the team's Week 17 game against the Baltimore Ravens.
Under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Al-Shaair can appeal this suspension.
Here is the full statement from the NFL:
“During your game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 1, with 4:20 remaining in the second quarter, you were involved in a play that the League considers unacceptable and a serious violation of the playing rules. Video shows you striking the head/neck area of Jaguars’ quarterback Trevor Lawrence after he clearly goes down in a feet-first slide…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.”
“After the illegal hit, you proceeded to engage in a brawl, which you escalated when you pulled an opponent down to the ground by his facemask. After the referee announced that you were disqualified for the hit and your unsportsmanlike acts, you removed your helmet and reengaged with your opponent while walking down and across the field, which started another physical 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.”
