Texans’ Azeez Al-Shaair Suspended for Three Games Following Nasty Hit on Trevor Lawrence
Al-Shaair Delivered an Illegal Hit on Jaguars QB and Was Ejected From the Game
The NFL Said Three-Game Suspension for Al-Shaair
Major NFL news sites quickly reported that Houston Texans linebacker and one of the team’s captains, Azeez Al-Shaair, will face a three-game no-pay suspension following his ejection from last Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Following a sliding play from Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence, Al-Shaair met the passer with a nasty forearm hit to Lawrence’s head, which caused Jacksonville’s main star to go into a fencing position after being concussed.
After the illegal hit, a fight ensued between both teams, with Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones being ejected alongside Al-Shaair for his involvement in the brawl. As expected by NFL picks and predictions, the Texans would go on to win the game by 23-20, with the victory being tainted by Al-Shaair’s illegal action.
NFL is suspending Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair three games for the hit he delivered Sunday to Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence. pic.twitter.com/knMej2dwzW
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 3, 2024
The league’s VP of football operations, Jon Runyan, the person in charge of issuing the suspension, would go on to say the following in his message regarding the player’s action:
“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.”
It’s Time Somebody Keeps Real Tabs on Al-Shaair
The NFL has seen its fair share of players like Al-Shaair throughout history. But there’s something about Al-Shaair that just rings a constant bell.
In all honesty, has nobody been keeping an eye on Azeez and his antics? In his sixth season in the pros, the man has built up quite the shopping list of illegal hits and plays on opposing players.
BREAKING: Texans LB, Azeez Al-Shaair, suspended 3 games!
——
• Choked Tom Brady – Dec ‘22• Hit Caleb Williams late & punched Roschon Johnson – Sept ‘24.
• Tackled Tony Pollard Late – Nov ‘24
• Illegal hit on Trevor Lawrence – Dec ‘24 pic.twitter.com/U8eHuB5nUi
— Emmanuel Acho (@EmmanuelAcho) December 3, 2024
With a player like this, there’s more juice in betting odds on when he’ll pull off another hit than anything else.
On DeMeco Ryans Defending His Player
Earlier today, when asked about Al-Shaair’s suspension and whether his actions were justifiable in any way (no, they are not), Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans, instead of using rationality, decided to blame Lawrence, a move that can only be deemed just as stupid as Al-Shaair’s play.
Wow.
HC Demeco Ryans says that Trevor Lawrence is to blame for his players cheap shot.
The Texans slowly becoming the most hated team in the league 😳
— NFL Notifications (@NFLNotify) December 3, 2024
Saying: “Unfortunate that Trevor got hurt. We hope Trevor’s OK. But also, if we’re sliding, you have to get down.” Ryans defended his player’s actions, passing the responsibility on to Lawrence.
I’m sorry here, but seriously? Seriously? What kind of BS is this? Lawrence took a hit that could jeopardize his career, and he’s to blame? Nah, f*ck that.
I get that coaches have to support their players at all costs, even when it doesn’t make sense for fans. But considering Al-Shaair’s nasty hit record and his unwillingness to step back and reevaluate his playing style, again, f*ck that.
And yes, Al-Shaair did issue an apology. But how about you play the game right instead of apologizing?
All Praise to Allah🤲🏾 pic.twitter.com/pEbCRAg8fF
— Azeez Al-shaair (@A_train2_) December 2, 2024
Once the Texans return from their upcoming bye week, they will be without Al-Shaair for their NFL games against Miami at Hard Rock Stadium, Kansas City at Arrowhead, and Baltimore at home. These are three potential season-making or ending showdowns for Houston.
So nice going Azeez. Great way to screw your team over in its remaining NFL schedule by not being able to play football like a professional.
