The NFL handed Texas linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair a three-game suspension without pay on Tuesday about Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence during in Week 13, citing “repeated violations of rules designed to protect the health and safety of players and promote sportsmanship.”
Al-Shair hit Lawrence in the head and neck area as he completed a six-yard rush to clear the quarterback in the second quarter. was taken out of the game on a cart and entered into the NFL's concussion protocol shortly thereafter.
Al-Shair was penalized for unnecessary rudeness and expelled from the game. The same was true for Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones, who threw a punch at a Texans player as the teams fought.
Jon Runyan, the nfl's vice president of football operations, issued Al-Shair the suspension and wrote him the following letter, which the nfl released.
“During your game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 1, with 4:20 minutes remaining in the second quarter, you were involved in a play that the league considers unacceptable and a serious violation of the rules of the game. The video shows you hitting the head/neck area of Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence after he clearly went down on a feet-first slide when he had time and space to avoid such contact.”
“Following the illegal attack, a fight ensued which escalated when an opponent was pulled to the ground by his face mask. After the referee announced that you were disqualified for the hit and unsportsmanlike conduct, you removed your helmet and again made contact with your opponent while walking across the field, resulting in another physical altercation near the end zone .
“Your lack of sportsmanship and respect for the game of football and all who play, coach and enjoy watching it is concerning and does not reflect the core values of the NFL…Your continued disregard for the NFL rules of the game endangers the health and safety of both you as well as your opponents and will not be tolerated.”
Al-Shaair will be eligible to return to Houston's active roster in Week 18. According to Adam Schefter, he intends to appeal the ban .
