“To Trevor, I sincerely apologize for what ultimately happened,” Al-Shaair wrote. “We spoke before the game and I told you how great it was to see you back on the field and wished you all the best. “I never want a player to be injured by a blow I have given him, especially if it was deemed ‘late’ or ‘unnecessary’.”
Jon Runyan, the NFL's vice president of policy and rules administration, told Al-Shaair in a letter that the hit was “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 for its language in its letter announcing the initial decision during Tuesday's press conference and called for continuity in issuing suspensions.
“For the league to make some of its comments about a lack of sportsmanship … a lack of attention to the rules,” Caserio said. “Honestly, it’s embarrassing.”
With the suspension in effect, Al-Shair will miss the Texans' games against the Dolphins, Chiefs and Ravens on Christmas Day.
He is eligible to return for the regular-season finale against the Titans in Nashville. The sixth-year linebacker will also have to forfeit $112,745 per game.
