Former Star JJ Watt knows tackling is a part of the game of football.
Just like other players, he is not a fan of extra time after the hit
During a segment on The Pat McAfee Show, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year expressed his opinion on how the league handled the situation in Week 13. He understands both sides, but it is clear that the defender has a weakness, making room for the defensive player.
“The attack on Azeez Al-Shair looked brutal and one hopes Trevor Lawrence is okay.
While I think the punishment is justified, I also think the punishment is extremely harsh” ~
– Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow)
“You want Trevor to do well, and that's number one, without a doubt,” Watt told McAfee and co-host AJ Hawk. “I think there is certainly justification for punishment here. I also think the punishment is extremely harsh.”
Al-Shaair, who plans to appeal to NFLPA representative Ramon Foster on Wednesday, was ejected from the game after the hit. The league office explained the reasons for suspending Al-Shair, citing his “lack of sportsmanship and respect for the game of football.”
Texans general manager Nick Caserio criticized the NFL for its language in the letter against Al-Shaair. Watt expressed a similar opinion.
“If you listen to the comparisons of other penalties that have been imposed across the league and look at the history and precedents there, the inconsistency in punishment is an issue, but I understand that a penalty should be imposed,” Watt said.
The Texans begin the bye week at 8-5. If Al-Shair's suspension continues, he will not be able to return until the season finale in Week 18 against the Tennessee Titans.
