Summary
- NFL suspends Azeez Al-Shaair for three games.
- Reason: Repeated violations of safety rules and unsportsmanlike conduct.
- Trigger: Violent hit on Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
- Al-Shaair can appeal the suspension.
The National Football League (NFL) took drastic action on December 3, 2024. Azeez Al-ShaairHouston Texans linebacker, has been suspended for three games without pay. The reason: repeated violations of rules to protect the health and safety of players and unsportsmanlike conduct.
Azeez Al-Shaair suspended: serious incident in the game against the Jaguars.
The trigger for the suspension was an incident in the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 1st. With 4:20 left in the second half, Al-Shaair delivered a violent blow to the head and neck area of Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence after he had already slid feet first.
Jon Runyan, NFL vice president of football operations, described the incident as “unacceptable and a serious violation of the rules of the game” in a letter to Al-Shaair. He emphasized that Al-Shaair had enough time and space to avoid contact.
Escalation after the illegal hit.
But that wasn’t enough: After the illegal tackle, the situation escalated further. Al-Shaair initiated a fight and pulled an opponent to the ground by his face shield. Even after he was disqualified by the referee, he continued his unsportsmanlike conduct by removing his helmet and clashing with an opponent again.
Runyan strongly criticized Al-Shaair’s behavior: “Your lack of sportsmanship and respect for the game of football and all those who play, train and enjoy watching it is disturbing and does not reflect the NFL’s core values.”
Al-Shaair has the right to appeal the suspension. The earliest he will be eligible to play is after the Texans’ game against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 17.
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