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NFL, News: Azeez Al-Shaair apologizes for attack against Trevor Lawrence – sentence has been determined
Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair apologized on social media Monday for his hit on Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence. He had already started to slide, but was then hit in the head without protection and suffered a concussion. Al-Shaair’s action was subsequently criticized as a “dirty hit” and he was immediately thrown out of the game.
“I sincerely apologize to Trevor for what happened,” Al-Shaair wrote. He didn’t see the quarterback’s slide “until it was too late. Everything happened in a split second.” He wished Lawrence well before the game: “I never want to see an opponent injured after one of my hits, especially not by one that is seen as ‘too late’ or ‘unnecessary’.” The reactions at X were largely negativeespecially since it’s not the 27-year-old’s first dirty action this season.
On Tuesday, the NFL announced the punishment: Al-Shaair will be suspended for three games. NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan called the hit “unacceptable.” Al-Shaair’s “continued disregard” for security rules will “not be tolerated.”
Al-Shaair received fines for unsportsmanlike actions in Week 2 and Week 12. “Your lack of sportsmanship and respect for our sport and all those who play, train and enjoy it is disturbing and inconsistent with the core values of the NFL,” Runyan said.
