Tom DiPace/AP
The NFL on Tuesday announced a three-game suspension for Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair for his illegal hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
The hit occurred in the second quarter of Sunday’s game between the Texans and the Jaguars. When Lawrence scrambled out of the pocket and tried running for a first down, he slid in front of Al-Shaair to surrender himself and avoid contact. Al-Shaair, however, could not pull up and stop his momentum — resulting in a brutal hit that took Lawrence out of the game with a concussion.
Al-Shaair released a statement on Monday apologizing to Lawrence for the hit. He maintained that he had no intention of harming the quarterback, and criticized fans and the media for the way they jumped on the incident.
ESPN insider Adam Schefter reported the suspension Tuesday morning.
In a follow-up tweet, Schefter also posted a letter from NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan, who said to Al-Shaair:
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.
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