The NFL suspended Texans linebacker Azeez Al Shaair for three games Sunday for the hit that left Trevor Lawrence with a concussion in Houston’s 23-20 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars. . The hit caused Lawrence to be ejected from the match and sparked a scuffle that resulted in two ejected players, including Al Shayer. Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones was also ejected for his role in the ensuing melee.
NFL Vice President of Football Operations John Runyan has been suspended. In the NFL’s official statement, Runyan said Al Shair “delivered a powerful blow to the head/neck area when he had time and space to avoid such contact.” Runyan then analyzed al-Sha’ir’s actions after the hit. He started a scuffle, escalated the brawl by dragging a player down by his face mask, and continued to fight Jags players in the end zone after the referee called him out.
These actions, along with “multiple violations of personal fouls and sportsmanship-related rule violations in recent seasons,” led to Runyan’s three-game suspension.
“Your lack of sportsmanship and respect for the game of football and all those who play, coach, and watch it is problematic and does not reflect the core values of the NFL. “Your continued disregard for the NFL’s rules of play puts health and safety at risk.” Both you and your opponent are at risk, and that will not be tolerated. ”
Al Shail is reportedly appealing his suspension. Appeals will be heard by one of the appellate officers jointly appointed by the NFL and NFLPA (Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, Kevin Mawae or Jordy Nelson).
The incident occurred in the second quarter when Houston was leading 6-0. Lawrence scrambled on second-and-seven and slid near the gain line. As Lawrence slipped, Al Shair dove headfirst and made contact with Lawrence’s head.
Azeez Al Shaair hit Trevor Lawrence with a pretty slow hit. The Jaguars immediately fired back by pouncing on the Texans players involved. A big fight broke out. pic.twitter.com/oLeI4OHQvU
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulli) December 1, 2024
Authorities immediately alerted Al Shail to a bullet attack. Jaguars tight end Evan Engram then slammed Al Sha’ir to the turf to protect Lawrence, and Al Sha’ir protested the penalty. A scuffle broke out and spilled onto the Jaguars’ sideline.
“If you watch this in slow motion, Aziz Al Sha’air does everything you’re trying to prevent him from doing in this situation,” Darryl Johnston said. pic.twitter.com/YJhrCVEWjS
— The Comeback NFL (@TheComebackNFL) December 1, 2024
Al Shair and two teammates were surrounded by Jaguars players on the sideline, but officials eventually broke up the game. Lawrence remained lying on the field as the fight continued. He eventually got up and left the field in his cart.
The second skirmish began when Jaguars guard Brandon Schaaf confronted Al Shail near the end zone. Officials quelled the confrontation before Al Shair was escorted off the field.
Lawrence was diagnosed with a concussion and did not return to the game. Mac Jones finished the game as Jacksonville’s quarterback.
This is not Al Shail’s first crime.
Sunday’s incident was not the first controversy of the season involving Al Sha’ir. In Week 2 against the Bears, Al Shair punched Chicago running back Roshon Johnson in the facemask during an altercation on the sideline.
This violation was not penalized during the match. The NFL subsequently fined Al Sha’air approximately $11,000.
