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Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair was suspended without pay for three games for a defenseless hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence that led to Lawrence being knocked out of the game and Al-Shaair being ejected, following several similar incidents, the National Football League announced on Tuesday (December 3).
"Azeez Al-Shaair of the Houston Texans has been suspended without pay for three games for repeated violations of rules intended to protect the health and safety of players and promote sportsmanship, including during Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars," the league said in its news release announcing Al-Shaair's suspension.
Al-Shaair hit Lawrence while the quarterback was sliding, which left him in a defenseless position, during the second quarter of Sunday's game. The incident resulted in a skirmish between the two teams and Al-Shaair being ejected.
Lawrence was down on the field for several minutes before being helped up, driven off in a cart and later ruled out for the remainder of the game with a concussion.
Al-Shaair issued an apology on his X account Monday (December 1).
“I’ve always played the game as hard as I could," Al-Shaair wrote. "Never with the intent to harm anyone and anybody that knows me knows that. 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 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," he added. "To Trevor I genuinely apologize to you for what ended up happening. 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.’"
Al-Shaair has been fined multiple times for on-field incidents in 2024, which included a late hit on Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard on November 24, as well as throwing a punch at Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson on September 15.
Lawrence, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, signed a five-year, $275 million extension with the Jaguars in June. The former Clemson standout has gone 2-8 as a starter and thrown for 2,045 yards, 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions in 2024.