Jaguars LB Azeez Al-Shaair apologizes to Trevor Lawrence for controversial helmet-to-helmet hit
Trevor Lawrence sustained a scary concussion on Sunday. The Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback was sliding when he took a late and hard hit from Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. The quarterback was taken straight to the locker room and ruled out with a concussion shortly after. Al-Shaair was ejected from the game. And on Monday morning, the […]
Trevor Lawrence sustained a scary concussion on Sunday.
The Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback was sliding when he took a late and hard hit from Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair. The quarterback was taken straight to the locker room and ruled out with a concussion shortly after.
Al-Shaair was ejected from the game.
And on Monday morning, the linebacker sent a message to Lawrence regarding the incident.
“I’ve always played the game as hard as I could. Never with the intent to harm anyone and anybody that knows me knows that. My goal is to hit you as hard as I can then I pray you’re still able to get up and play the next play. And when the game is over go home to your family unharmed because it’s not personal it’s just competition! We both are trying to do the same which is provide for our families!
“I genuinely didn’t see him sliding until it was too late. And it all happens in the blink of an eye. To Trevor I genuinely apologize to you for what ended up happening. Before the game we spoke and I told you how it was great to see you back out on the field and wished you well. I would never want to see any player hurt because of a hit I put on them especially one that’s deemed ‘late’ or ‘unnecessary.’
“To the rest of his teammates I can definitely understand you having his back and defending him in a situation like that. To the rest of the people who I’ve been called every single name in the book from reporters with their hands ready for a story to find their villan [sic], to racist and [I]slamophobic fans and people, you don’t know my heart nor my character which I don’t need to prove to any of you. God knows my intentions and anyone who has never been a teammate or friend of mine knows my heart.”
It was also reported that the hit is likely to result in a suspension for Al-Shaair. There is no knowledge on how long it will be for.
Lawrence also sent a message to fans last night, providing an update on his health.
"Thank you to everyone who has reached out / been praying for me. I’m home and feeling better. Means a lot, thank you all 🙌🏻," Lawrence posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.
Lawrence is currently in concussion protocol.
