Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair releases statement after hit on Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence

Azeez Al-Shaair offered an apology following the hit made on Trevor Lawrence during Sunday’s matchup against the Jaguars.

The Houston Texans did not make linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair available to speak with reporters following Sunday’s hit that appeared to knock out Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Still, the veteran wanted to clear the air.

Al-Shaair took to social media to apologize to Lawrence for the hit and later actions that led to his ejection during the second quarter, stating everything happened” in the blink of an eye.”

“To Trevor, i genuinely apologize to you for what ended up happening,” Al-Shaair’s statement reads. “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.’”

Lawrence, who has just returned to the starting lineup after missing two games due to a shoulder injury, began to slide after picking up six yards. As he initiated the slide, Al-Shaair dove forward and delivered a forearm to the head.

Lawrence was able to get up under his own power but was taken off the field on a cart and ruled out with a head injury. He now will go through the league’s concussion protocol.

Multiple Jaguars players, including tight end Evan Engram and offensive lineman Brandon Scherff, came to Lawrence’s defense after the hit and following Al-Shaair’s ejection. Al-Shaair said in the post he understood why players came to their quarterback’s defender following the play.

“I can definitely understand you having his back and defending him in a situation like that,” Al-Shaair wrote.

While countless people commented on the hit, several people on social media came after Al-Shaair’s personal life. A practicing Muslim, the sixth-year linebacker was criticized support for his support for the Palestine Children’s Relief Fund as part of the NFL’s “My Cause, My Cleats” initiative.

“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 villain, to racist and Islamophobic fans and people, you don’t know my heart nor my character which I don’t need to prove to any of you,” Al-Shaair wrote. “God knows my intentions and anyone who has ever been a teammate or friend of mine knows my heart.”

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Al-Shaair could be facing a suspension in the coming weeks following the hit. This isn’t the first time he’s been involved in a controversial play since signing a three-year deal with the Texans in the offseason.

Houston (8-5) enters its bye week before returning to take on the Miami Dolphins at home in Week 15.