(This story has been updated to add new information.)
The NFL has made a ruling.
will not be suitable for this soon.
According to the league office, the NFL will uphold Al-Shair's three-game suspension for the hit on him in Sunday's win.
nfl and NFLPA jointly appointed hearing officer Ramon Foster has upheld the three-game suspension of Houston linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair.
— Michael Signora (@NFLfootballinfo)
Al-Shair, the tried iton Wednesday in a meeting with former . After further review, Foster confirmed the length, meaning Al-Shaair will not return until the Week 18 season finale against the Tennessee Titans.
During the second quarter, Al-Shair drilled Lawrence in the head on a second-and-7 play when Lawrence attempted to slip, rendering him unconscious and giving him a concussion. The hit led to a brawl between the two sides, which ultimately led to Al-Shaair's ejection.
Since the incident, Al-Shair has apologized for the game on social media. Lawrence was placed on injured reserve Wednesday afternoon, ending his season.
After the verdict, Al-Shair posted on social media: “IF YOU WANT ME TO BE YOUR VILLAIN, I WILL BE YOUR VILLAIN!” SEE YOU SOON…
If you want me to be your villain, then I will be your villain!🖕🏾See you soon…🃏
– Azeez Al-shair (@A_train2_)
Jon Runyan, the nfl's vice president of policy and rules administration, wrote in his letter to Al-Shaair that the league found the hit “unacceptable” and that his “continued disregard” for player safety rules “will not be tolerated.”
“Your lack of sportsmanship and respect for the game of football and all those who play, coach and enjoy watching it is concerning and does not reflect the core values of the NFL,” Runyan wrote.
Texans general manager Nick Caserio criticized the league Tuesday afternoon for the language in its letter against Al-Shaair and called for continuity in issuing suspensions.
“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 said.
“Honestly, it’s embarrassing.”
Al-Shaair, who signed a three-year, $34 million contract with the Texans this offseason after a breakout year with the Tennessee Titans, will also forfeit $112,745 per game.
