The NFL issued Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair a three-game suspension without pay on Tuesday for his illegal hit on Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence during Jacksonville’s 23-20 loss to Houston in Week 13, citing “repeated violations of rules intended to protect the health and safety of players and promote sportsmanship.”
Al-Shaair launched at Lawrence in the head and neck area as he slid to conclude a six-yard rush in the second quarter, leveling the quarterback. Lawrence was removed from the game on a cart and entered the NFL’s concussion protocol shortly thereafter.
Al-Shaair was penalized for unnecessary roughness and ejected from the game. The same was true for Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones, who threw a punch at a Texans player as fighting ensued between the teams.
NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan issued Al-Shaair’s suspension and wrote him the following letter, which the NFL published.
“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. 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.”
“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.
“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.”
Al-Shaair will be eligible to return to Houston’s active roster in Week 18. He intends to appeal the suspension, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.