HOUSTON (AP) — The NFL has suspended Houston linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair without pay for three games due to repeated breaches of player safety rules, stemming from a severe hit to the head of Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence that resulted in a concussion. The league’s decision was announced by Jon Runyan, the NFL’s vice president of football operations, who highlighted Al-Shaair’s history of personal fouls and violations related to sportsmanship over recent seasons.
Lawrence, returning as a starter after missing two games due to a sprained left shoulder, attempted a second-and-7 play during the second quarter of Houston’s 23-20 victory. After beginning to slide to the ground, Al-Shaair struck him with a raised forearm, hitting the defenseless quarterback.
In the formal letter to Al-Shaair regarding his suspension, Runyan emphasized the severity of the hit, describing it as “unacceptable” and a clear violation of the league’s rules. “You struck the head/neck area of Jaguars’ quarterback Trevor Lawrence after he clearly went down in a feet-first slide, leading with your forearm and helmet,” Runyan detailed, stating that Al-Shaair had the opportunity to avoid such contact.
Al-Shaair is currently appealing the suspension, as confirmed by a source who spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity due to the ongoing appeal process. If the suspension is upheld, Al-Shaair will not be able to return to the active roster until after the Texans’ Christmas Day matchup against the Baltimore Ravens. With a base salary of $1.5 million this season, the suspension would cost him approximately $265,000.
Following the hit on Lawrence, the situation escalated dramatically, with the quarterback exhibiting signs of the “fencing response,” a reflex observed after a brain injury. Teammates surrounded him for support and quickly confronted Al-Shaair, leading to a brawl on the field.
Houston general manager Nick Caserio voiced strong support for Al-Shaair, criticizing the NFL for inconsistency in its disciplinary actions. He stated, “That’s all teams ask for is consistency from the league. In this situation, quite frankly, there’s no consistency at all.” He noted how other players involved in illegal hits this season received lighter penalties, some not facing suspensions at all.
Runyan also addressed Al-Shaair’s conduct after the illegal hit in the suspension announcement, mentioning that he engaged in further altercations by grabbing an opponent’s facemask and re-engaging a player after his ejection, which exacerbated the situation near the end zone.
This incident marks the third time Al-Shaair has faced disciplinary action this season. He was fined $11,255 for a late hit out of bounds on Titans running back Tony Pollard just last week, and earlier this year faced fines for a sideline punch against Bears running back Roschon Johnson.
Runyan expressed concern in his letter regarding Al-Shaair’s lack of respect for the game, stating, “Your continued disregard for NFL playing rules jeopardizes the health and safety of both you and your opponents.” Caserio was particularly offensive about this remark, stressing the importance of player safety but also standing firmly behind Al-Shaair’s character and contributions to the team.
Al-Shaair publicly apologized to Lawrence in a lengthy post on X, explaining that he didn’t realize the quarterback was sliding until the last moment and expressed regret for the incident. Meanwhile, Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson criticized the play’s legitimacy in the league, hinting that shutting down Lawrence for the season is an option being considered.
In past seasons, other players, like Denzel Perryman and Kareem Jackson, have faced similar suspensions for safety violations, with some receiving reduced penalties upon appeal.
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AP Pro Football Writer Rob Maaddi contributed to this report.
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