Tag: Azeez Al-Shaair ejection

Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair’s ‘Villian’ role is officially underway

Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair is taking on the “villain” role now as the league announced he would serve a three-game suspension.

You wanted a villain, NFL?

Fine, Azeez Al-Shaair will wear the crown.

The Houston Texans veteran linebacker tweeted Wednesday night that he’s embracing the “villain role” after the league elected to uphold his three-game suspension for a hit in Sunday’s win that left Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence concussed.

“If you want me to be your villain, I’ll be your villain,” Al-Shaair wrote, followed by a middle finger emoji. “See you soon.”

Al-Shaair met with NFLPA representative Ramon Foster for his appeal meeting on Wednesday. After further review, Foster elected to make sure that the sixth-year linebacker served all three games.

Earlier this week, Al-Shaair issued an apology to Lawrence for the hit. Lawrence was placed on injured reserve Wednesday afternoon.

“To Trevor i genuinely apologize to you for what ended up happening,” Al-Shaair wrote. “Before the game we spoke and I told you how great it was 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 was ruled ‘late’ or ‘unnecessary.'”

Jon Runyan, the NFL’s vice president of policy and rules administration, told Al-Shaair in a letter that the hit was “unacceptable” and that his “continued disregard” for player safety rules “will not be tolerated.

“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,” Runyan wrote.

Texans general manager Nick Caserio criticized the league for its language in its letter announcing the initial ruling during Tuesday’s press conference and asked for consistency in how it hands out suspensions.

“For the league to make some of the commentary that it made about lack of sportsmanship … lack of paying attention to the rules,” Caserio said. “Quite frankly, it’s embarrassing.”

With the suspension being upheld, Al-Shaair will miss the Texans’ games against the Dolphins, Chiefs and Ravens on Christmas Day.

He’ll be eligible to return for their regular-season finale against the Titans in Nashville. The sixth-year linebacker will also be forced to give up  $112,745 per game.

Here’s who’s residing over Azeez Al-Shaair’s appeal for three-game suspension

A former star for the Pittsburgh Steelers will oversee the appeal case for Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair’s suspension.

Azeez Al-Shaair plans to appeal his three-game suspension for his hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence on Wednesday afternoon.

Houston Texans fans now know who will serve as the appeal officer for the case.

Former NFL offensive lineman and current Nashville radio host Ramon Foster will hear the case after being jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFLPA earlier this week. Should he agree with Al-Shaair’s claim, the suspension could be dismissed or lowered to a lesser time frame.

Foster serving on the case could benefit Al-Shaair’s plea, espeically given their relationship with the city of Nashville. Al-Shaair played for the Tennessee Titans in 2023 and led the team in tackles.

Foster, a former teammate of Texans legend Arian Foster while at Tennesseee, works on the morning show of the Titans’ radio broadcast network on 104.5 F.M. The Zone.

Jon Runyan, the NFL’s vice president of football operations, wrote in the suspension letter the linebacker was involved in a play that the league considers “unacceptable and a serious violation of 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,” Runyan wrote. “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.”

Foster will be the liaison between the two sides before a final verdict is made. A decision on the suspension is expected to be made before the end of the week.

The Texans are on a bye this week but will return next Sunday to NRG Stadium to take on the Miami Dolphins on Dec. 15.

Even Tom Brady is defending Azeez Al-Shaair after controversial hit on Trevor Lawrence

If the G.O.A.T. has a problem with Azeez Al-Shaair’s suspension, the NFL might be in the wrong.

If someone sneezed wrong on Tom Brady, a 15-yard penalty would be in the works. That’s how much respect the seven-time Super Bowl champion earned during his two-decade career while serving as the face of the NFL.

Brady also knows that the NFL is a violent game, meaning agonizing hits will be a part of the sport, especially against the quarterback. On Sunday, that was made clear when Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair drilled Jacksonville Jaguars Trevor Lawrence while he was trying to slide for a first down.

When asked about the play and eventual suspension on FS1’s “The Herd,” Brady was sympathetic to Al-Shaair and other defensive players.

“Certainly for Trevor Lawrence, nobody wants to see anybody get hurt, but it also is the reality of a very physical sport that we play,” Brady said. “But defensive players have to be aggressive. That’s their nature. I always tried to be aggressive on offense and at the same time, the defense tries to tackle aggressively.”

Lawrence, who had just returned to the lineup after missing two games with a shoulder injury, began to slide right before the first down marker after a pickup of six. As the slide began, Al-Shaair left his feet and led with his forearm toward the quarterback’s face, resulting in Lawrence’s head hitting the turf.

Following a brawl between the two teams, Lawerence left the field on a cart and was ruled out with a concussion.

While Brady was sympathetic with Lawrence, he also reminded quarterbacks to protect themselves when they leave the pocket and become runners.

“Certainly, the quarterbacks need to take better care of themselves. I see Josh Allen running a lot. I see Lamar Jackson running a lot,” Brady said.  “Certainly, it’s a great skill set to have. … At the same time, when you run, you put yourself in a lot of danger. And when you do that, I don’t think the onus on protecting an offensive quarterback who’s running should be on a defensive player. I don’t think that’s really fair to the defense. If you slide, everyone can argue, was it black and white or was it a gray area? Did you slide late or was it unnecessary roughness? Or is it a late hit? To me, a late hit is very late.”

Brady also said it was unfair to fans to call Al-Shaair a “dirty player” because of a rough hit.

“If we don’t want these hits to take place, we’ve got to penalize the offense and the defense rather than just penalize the defensive player for every single play that happens when there’s a hit on the quarterback,” Brady said.

Al-Shaair, the Texans’ defensive captain, plans to appeal the suspension on Wednesday afternoon.

Azeez Al-Shaair suspended three games? Not so fast for Texans LB

Azeez Al-Shaair should have an answer on his suspension in the coming days after making his case on Wedensday.

Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair was hit with a three-game suspension on Tuesday from the NFL office following his hit against Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

It might be three games now, but Al-Shaair is going to do his best to lessen the penalty.

According to multiple reports, Al-Shaair will meet with the NFLPA representative on Wednesday afternoon to appeal his suspension. While the suspension likely will be upheld, it could be reduced to either one or two games.

Al-Shaair was ejected following the hit that left Lawrence in concussion protocol during the second quarter of a 23-20 win. On Tuesday, Jon Runyan, the NFL’s vice president of football operations, wrote that the linebacker was involved in a play that the league considers “unacceptable and a serious violation of playing rules.”

“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,” Runyan wrote. “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.”

Texans general manager Nick Caserio defended Al-Shaair, ripping the NFL for its wording in the letter of Al-Shaair’s character.

“Nobody embodies our program more than Azeez — what he’s about, what he’s been through,” Caserio said. “There’s not a more selfless individual more about the team, who has earned the respect, that represents everything we want this program to be about.”

This isn’t the first time the Texans have had to deal with a suspension because of on-field play. Last season, Denzel Perryman was suspended three games for violating the league’s player safety policy. Following the appeal, it was reduced to two games.

Al-Shaair, the Texans’ defensive captain, has been fined twice this season due to on-field play. He was fined $11,817 for an incident in Week 2 against the Bears after punching running back Roschon Johnson following an altercation with multiple Bears players.

Al-Shaair was also fined 11,255 for hitting Titans running back Tony Pollard out of bounds in Week 12.

Should the suspension be upheld, Al-Shaair would forfeit $112,745 per game, according to The Houston Chronicle.

Texans LB plans to appeal 3-game suspension like former 2023 starter

Azeez Al-Shaair will do everything possible to make sure his three-game suspension is diminished.

Azeez Al-Shaair might have gotten hit with a three-game suspension, but the fight is not over.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Houston Texans linebacker plans to appeal the three-game suspension to the league office for a lesser sentencing following his hit and later ejection against Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence in the second quarter of Sunday’s win.

The appeal will be heard by one of the appeals officers jointly appointed by the league and the NFLPA: Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, Kevin Mawae or Jordy Nelson.

In a letter to Al-Shaair, Jon Runyan, the NFL’s vice president of football operations, stated that the Texans’ defensive captain was involved in a play that the league considers “unacceptable and a serious violation of 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,” Runyan wrote. “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.”

On Monday, Texans coach DeMeco Ryans defended Al-Shaair, stating that the fight occurred after Jaguars players instigated the altercation by shoving him after the play.

“It wasn’t our guys. Their team overreacted,” Ryans said. “Pushed our guy, dragging our guy to the sideline. That’s uncalled for on that side. We have to be better on the sideline as well.”

On Tuesday, general manager Nick Caserio took offense to how the league portrayed Al-Shaair in their letting when offering up the suspension.

“Quite frankly, it’s bulls—, and it’s unfair to the individual, it’s unfair to the organization,” Caserio said. “We love everything about Azeez Al-Shaair and everything he brings to this team.”

The three-game ban has been the longest one dished out of the 2024 season for on-field violations. Caserio also asked for more consistency from the league on punishments for players who have conducted similar hits in the past.

“I‘d say in this situation, quite frankly, there’s no consistency at all relative to the level of discipline that’s been handed down,” Caserio said.

Sunday isn’t the first time that Al-Shaair has been at the center of controversy surrounding hits. He was fined $11,817 earlier this year in Week 2’s win over the Chicago Bears after he punched running back Roschon Johnson on the sideline during a scuffle that started after hitting rookie quarterback Caleb Williams near the sidelines.

In Week 12, Al-Shaair was fined  $11,255 for a late hit out of bounds on Titans running back Tony Pollard. 

The Texans have been here before with a player for violating the NFL’s player safety policy. Linebacker Denzel Perryman was suspended three games for his on-field play. He appealed his case and eventually saw the suspension dropped to two games.

If Al-Shaair’s suspension is upheld, Al-Shaair won’t be cleared to return until the regular-season finale against the Tennessee Titans in Nashville.

According to KPRC2 Sports Aaron Wilson, Al-Shaair has a base salary of $1.5 million this season, meaning it will cost him about $265,000 in game checks should he miss all three games.

“Nobody embodies our program more than Azeez,” Caserio said. “What he’s about, what he’s been through. There’s not a more selfless individual more about the team, who has earned the respect, that represents everything we want this program to be about. “

Texans GM rips NFL for suspension and portrayal of LB Azeez Al-Shaair

Nick Caserio didn’t hold back in breaking down the poor portrayal made by the NFL against Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair amid suspension.

On Monday, Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans went to bat for linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair amid a suspension in the works.

A day later, it was Nick Caserio’s turn to call out the NFL.

Caserio, along with multiple members of the organization, took exception with the league’s characterization of Al-Shaair following his three-game suspension. With owners in attendance, Caserio ripped the NFL for its choice wording and description of Al-Shaair in the letter laying out the sixth-year linebacker’s suspension.

“Nobody embodies our program more than Azeez,” Caserio said. “What he’s about, what he’s been through. There’s not a more selfless individual more about the team, who has earned the respect, that represents everything we want this program to be about.

“We’re talking about some of the commentary that has been made about his character, about the person that he is, about what his intentions are, from people who, quite frankly, don’t know anything about Azeez Al-Shaair.”

Caserio also called out the league office for its lack of consistency regarding suspension lengths, pointing to other instances around the league where players have received underwhelming punishments for similar hits on players.

“For the league to make some of the commentary that they made about lack of sportsmanship, lack of coachability, lack of paying attention to the rules, quite frankly, it’s embarrassing,” Caserio said. “So I think the big thing from our perspective — talk about a player who’s never been suspended, never been ejected. So now we’re saying that he’s going to be suspended for three games. Look, it is what it is. I think the big thing from our standpoint — and all teams want this — is just some level of consistency.”

Caserio, who’s set to close on his fourth season as the Texans’ GM, said they spoke to the league office and still feel as if there’s not a good explanation for the punishment. Al-Shaair, who can’t return until the Week 18 season finale, plans to appeal the ruling in hopes of limiting the suspension to either one or two games.

While Caserio defended his player, he also hoped that Lawrence continued to get healthy following a hit that left him unconscious and forced him into the concussion protocol.

“The most important thing is the health and safety of our players and I would say the health and well-being of Trevor,” Caserio said. “Hopefully Trevor is going to be okay.”

Much like Ryans, Caserio made sure to let the NFL know where he stands.

“Where we take umbrage is the picture that has been painted about Azeez, his intentions, who he is as a person,” Caserio said. “Quite frankly, it’s bulls—, and it’s unfair to the individual, it’s unfair to the organization. We love everything about Azeez Al-Shaair and everything he brings to this team.”

The Texans return from their bye week to take on the Miami Dolphins in Week 15.

Texans LB supsended three games for hit against Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence

Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair won’t be on the field for the next three games after being suspended by the NFL.

(This story was updated to add new information.)

Azeez Al-Shaair won’t be taking the field for the Houston Texans anytime soon.

The veteran linebacker was suspended three games by the NFL on Tuesday for his late hit on Trevor Lawrence on Sunday, which led to an ejection and left the Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback with a concussion.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Al-Shaair plans to appeal the suspension to decrease the length.

Jon Runyan, the NFL’s vice president of football operations, stated in a letter to Al-Shaair that the league deemed the hit “unacceptable” and that his “continued disregard” for rules governing player safety “will not be tolerated.”

“You were involved in a play that the (NFL) considers unacceptable and a serious violation of the playing rules,” Runyan wrote Tuesday. “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.”

During the second quarter, Lawrence scrambled before sliding on a second-and-7 play. As he began to slide, Al-Shaair leaped toward the quarterback with his forearm, resulting in Lawrence’s head slamming against the grass at EverBank Stadium.

Jaguars tight end Evan Engram shoved Al-Shaair after the play, leading to a brawl between the two sides. Lawrence, who recently returned to the lineup after missing two games with a shoulder injury, was able to get up off the field under his own pressure but was carted to the locker room with a head injury.

Since the incident, Al-Shaair apologized to Lawrence in a post on social media.

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

Runyan said in his letter that Al-Shaair “proceeded to engage in a brawl, which you escalated when you pulled an opponent down to the ground by his facemask.” Following the ejection, Al-Shaair was confronted by multiple Jacksonville players, including offensive guard Brandon Scherff.

Multiple Texans teammates had to hold back Al-Shaair as he was being escorted to the locker room.

“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,” Runyan wrote. “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.”

Texans coach DeMeco Ryans called the incident “unfortunate” and “not what we’re coaching,” though he did not believe it was representative of Al-Shaair as a player. 

“Azeez is a great person, an exceptional leader for us,” Ryans said Monday. “He plays the game the right way. His intent is never to hurt anyone.

“For any picture that is painted that Azeez is a dirty player or doing something intentional, that is the exact opposite of Azeez.”

This isn’t Al-Shaair’s first time being reprimanded by the NFL for his on-field play. He was at the center of another controversy in Week 2 when he hit Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams on the sideline as the rookie ran out of bounds.

He was fined $11,817 after he punched Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson following the altercation on the sidelines. 

Al-Shaair was also fined $11,255 last week for a late hit out of bounds on Titans running back Tony Pollard in Houston’s 32-27 loss.

A former protege under Ryans in San Francisco, Al-Shaair, 27, signed a three-year, $27 million contract with the Texans this offseason and was named a team captain for 2024. In 10 games, he’s totaled 68 tackles, two sacks, four pass breakups and two forced fumbles. 

The Texans (8-5) are off this week, but will return to face off against the Miami Dolphins on Dec. 15. Should the suspension be upheld, Al-Shaair will be able to return for the season finale against the Titans. 

Will Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair be suspended for hit on Trevor Lawerence?

The NFL could slap a suspension on Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair following his hit on Trevor Lawerence in Sunday’s win over the Jaguars.

Azeez Al-Shaair was ejected from Sunday’s game after delivering “an illegal hit” on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence in the second quarter of the Houston Texans’ 23-20 victory. 

That’s not the saga’s end as the Texans enter their bye week.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Al-Shaair is facing a potential suspension by the NFL for the hit.  The report didn’t indicate how long the suspension could be or whether or not the league would issue a ban on the situation.

Since the incident, Al-Shaair has apologized on social media for the hit, stating that he wasn’t trying to hurt Lawrence during the play.

“I’ve always played the game as hard as I could, never with the intent to harm anyone and anybody that knows me knows that,” Al-Shaair said in the statement. “My goal is to hit you as hard as I can, then I pray you’re still able to get up and play the next play, and when the game is over, go home to your family unharmed because it’s not personal it’s just competition! We both are trying to do the same thing which is provide for our families! I genuinely didn’t see him sliding until it was too late. And it all happens in the blink of an eye.”

Lawrence, who returned to the starting lineup Sunday after missing two games with a shoulder injury, began to slide on a second-and-7 after picking up six yards.

As the fourth-year quarterback began to lower his body, Al-Shaair jumped forward and delivered a blow with his forearm that appeared to knock Lawrence unconscious.

Jaguars tight end Evan Engram shoved Al-Shaair to the turf, thus leading to a fight between the two sides. It reached a breaking point when Texans coach DeMeco Ryans came onto the field to personally grab Al-Shaair and calm him down.

“Unfortunate with the hit with Azeez,” Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said. “It’s not what we’re coaching. Just want to be smart in everything we do and not hurt our team. I didn’t want to see the melee and all of the aftermath. It’s not what we’re about. I talked to Azeez and addressed it personally, and we’ll move forward.”

Lawrence was able to get up under his own pressure but was carted off and ruled out with a head injury. On Sunday night, Lawrence posted on X, notifying followers that he was home and “feeling better.”

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If a suspension is issued, it would come into effect until next week. The Texans are off before returning for a three-game stretch in 15 days against the Miami Dolphins, Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Day. 

Houston closes out the season against the Tennessee Titans on the road in Week 17. 

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.

Texans defend LB Azeez Al-Shaair after ‘dirty hit’ on Jagaurs QB Trevor Lawrence

Multiple Houston Texans players voice their thoughts on Azeez Al-Shaair’s hit against Trevor Lawrence.

In a game that seemed to be droll entering halftime, one play woke up fans across the NFL world just behind halftime.

The Houston Texans secured a 23-20 victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars Sunday afternoon, but it was a footnote in the scuffle that occurred between the two sidelines because of a hit.

Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair drilled Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence late as he had given himself up on a slide while trying to pick up the first down. With Lawrence sliding feet first, Al-Shaair dove at him and delivered a blow with his forearm to the head.

While Lawrence appeared to be knocked unconscious, Jaguars tight end Evan Engram shoved Al-Shaair to the ground in retaliation. Multiple other players from either side got involved as the swarm carried over toward Jacksonville’s.

Things got so far out of control that Texans coach DeMeco Ryans came across the field to grab Al-Shaair himself to try and calm down the veteran defender. Lawrence, who returned Sunday for the first time since Week 9, was carted off and ruled out with a head injury.

“That’s not what we’re coaching,” Ryans told reporters postgame. “We want to be smart in everything we do and not hurt the team, (not) get a penalty there. We just have to be smarter when the quarterback is going down.”

Al-Shaair, along with Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones, were ejected from the game because of their role in the aftermath. Even after the decision was final, Al-Shaair continued jawing with Jaguars players as he headed to the locker room.

Eventually, linebacker Henry To’oTo’o, defensive end Will Anderson Jr. and running back Joe Mixon made sure the situation didn’t continue.

“Just an unfortunate play, not representative of who Azeez is,” Ryans said. “Azeez is a smart player, a really great leader for us. We felt his presence not being there, his loss, it really affected us on the defensive side.”

To’oTo’o told reporters that Jacksonville players were trying to defend their quarterback, so they had to go to bat for their linebacker. Quarterback C.J. Stroud voiced his support for Al-Shaair and offered condolences to Lawrence for a speedy recovery.

“I’m still rocking with Azeez,” Stroud said. “I don’t think that was his intent. I pray that Trevor is OK and that his family is right there with him.”

Houston won’t know if Al-Shaair will be suspended until after the bye week, but Ryans said the team would address the linebacker personally about the incident and “move forward from it.”

“It’s not what we’re coaching,” Ryans said. “Didn’t want to see the melee and all the aftermath, that’s not what we’re about, not representative of us.”