NFL suspends Azeez Al-Shaair for three games after hit on Trevor Lawrence
NFL vice president of football operations John Runyan said Azeez Al-Shaair's "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".
Tuesday 3 December 2024 15:25, UK
The NFL has suspended Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair for three games following his hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence in Week 13.
Al-Shaair led with his elbow during a dangerous hit to the face mask of Lawrence as the Jaguars quarterback was sliding to the ground, resulting in him exiting the game with a concussion.
"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," NFL vice president of football operations John Runyan stated in a letter to Al-Shaair.
"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.
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"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.
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"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."
The incident prompted an altercation between both teams as Jaguars players rushed to Lawrence's defence before Al-Shaair was ejected.
Al-Shaair released a statement on Monday apologising for his actions while sending his best wishes to Lawrence in his recovery.
The 27-year-old was also recently guilty of an out-of-bounds hit on Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard having also punched Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson earlier this season.
