On Monday, Houston Texans coach DeMeco Ryans traded for linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair while a suspension was in the works.
A day later, it was Nick Caserio's turn to denounce the NFL.
Caserio, along with several members of the organization, were unhappy with the league's characterization of Al-Shair following his three-game suspension. In the presence of the owners, Caserio criticized the NFL for the apt wording and description of Al-Shaair in the letter outlining the sixth-year linebacker's suspension.
“No one embodies our program more than Azeez,” Caserio said. “What he’s about, what he’s been through. There is no more selfless person on the team who has earned the respect that represents everything this program is supposed to be about.
“We're talking about some of the comments that have been made about his character, about the person he is, about his intentions, by people who, quite frankly, know nothing about Azeez Al-Shaair.”
Caserio also criticized the league office for its lack of consistency regarding the length of suspensions, citing other cases around the league where players have received disappointing punishments for similar hits on players.
Texas GM Nick Caserio on LB Azeez Al-Shaair's suspension.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter)
“It's frankly embarrassing that the league makes some of its comments about a lack of sportsmanship, a lack of coaching ability and a lack of attention to the rules,” Caserio said. “From our perspective, I think the most important thing is to talk about a player who has never been suspended and never been sent off. So now we're saying he gets a three-game suspension. Look, it is what it is. I think the most important thing from our perspective – and that’s what all teams want – is just a certain level of consistency.”
This is a Nick Caserio we haven't seen yet. He's HOT right now. WOW.
— Sean Pendergast (@SeanTPendergast)
Caserio, who will be finishing his fourth season as GM of the Texans, said they have spoken to the league office and still feel there is no good explanation for the punishment. Al-Shaair, who cannot return until the Week 18 season finale, plans to appeal the ruling in hopes of limiting the suspension to one or two games.
While Caserio defended his player, he also hoped Lawrence continues to heal after a hit that left him unconscious and forced him to suffer a concussion.
“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 okay.”
Much like Ryans, Caserio has been careful to let the nfl know where he stands.
“What we dislike is the picture that has been painted about Azeez, his intentions and who he is as a person,” Caserio said. “Honestly, it’s bullshit – and it’s unfair to the individual, it’s unfair to the organization. We love everything about Azeez Al-Shair and everything he brings to this team.”
Caserio was full of energy and called the portrayal of Al-Shaair's character “nonsense.”
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN)
The Texans return from their bye week to face the Miami Dolphins in Week 15.
