By KRISTIE RIEKEN
HOUSTON — Houston’s Azeez Al-Shaair was suspended by the NFL with out pay for 3 video games Tuesday for repeated violations of participant security guidelines following his violent hit to the top of Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence, which led to a concussion.
Al-Shaair’s punishment was introduced by NFL vice chairman of soccer operations Jon Runyan. In his letter to Al-Shaair, Runyan famous that he has had a number of offenses for private fouls and sportsmanship-related guidelines violations in latest seasons.
Again within the beginning lineup after lacking two video games with a sprained left shoulder, Lawrence scrambled left on a second-and-7 play within the second quarter of Houston’s 23-20 win on Sunday. He initiated a slide earlier than Al-Shaair raised his forearm and unleashed on the defenseless quarterback.
In his letter to Al-Shaair, Runyan referred to as the hit “unacceptable and a serious violation of the playing rules.”
“Video shows you striking the head/neck area of Jaguars’ quarterback Trevor Lawrence after he clearly goes down in a feet-first slide,” Runyan wrote. “You led with your forearm and helmet and delivered a forceful blow to the head/neck area of your opponent when you had time and space to avoid such contact.”
Al-Shaair is interesting the suspension, in response to an individual with information of the choice.
The particular person spoke to The Related Press on situation of anonymity as a result of the attraction is pending.
Houston common supervisor Nick Caserio defended Al-Shaair and mentioned he doesn’t consider the league is utilizing consistency in issuing punishments like these.
“I probably speak for a lot of teams, not only the Houston Texans, but I think that’s all teams ask for is consistency from the league,” he mentioned. “And I’d say in this situation, quite frankly, there’s no consistency at all relative to the level of discipline that’s been handed down.”
Caserio pointed to different gamers who’ve been ejected for unlawful hits this season who’ve both not been suspended or solely suspended for one sport.
If the suspension is upheld, Al-Shaair received’t be eligible to return to Houston’s energetic roster till after the group’s Christmas Day sport towards the Baltimore Ravens. Al-Shaair has a base wage of $1.5 million this season, which means it should value him about $265,000 if the three-game suspension is upheld.
Lawrence clenched each fists after the hit — actions per what’s known as the “fencing response,” which may be frequent after a traumatic mind damage. He was on the bottom for a number of minutes as teammates got here to his protection and mobbed Al-Shaair in what escalated right into a brawl.
As Al-Shaair was leaving the sphere after being ejected, followers began screaming at him. Jaguars veteran guard Brandon Scherff joined in, prompting one other altercation with Al-Shaair. Texans teammate Will Anderson grabbed Al-Shaair and was escorting him off the sphere when a fan threw a water bottle and hit Anderson within the helmet. The fan was later ejected.
Runyan additionally outlined Al-Shaair’s habits after the hit in saying the suspension.
“After the illegal hit, you proceeded to engage in a brawl, which you escalated when you pulled an opponent down to the ground by his facemask,” he wrote. “After the referee announced that you were disqualified for the hit and your unsportsmanlike acts, you removed your helmet and reengaged with your opponent while walking down and across the field, which started another physical confrontation near the end zone.”
That is the third time this season Al-Shaair has been punished by the league. Final week, he was flagged and later fined $11,255 for a late hit out of bounds on Titans operating again Tony Pollard.
He was fined earlier this 12 months after he punched Bears operating again Roschon Johnson on the sideline in Week 2. That occurred throughout a scuffle that began after his laborious shot on quarterback Caleb Williams close to the sideline wasn’t flagged.
“Your lack of sportsmanship and respect for the game of football and all those who play, coach, and enjoy watching it, is troubling and does not reflect the core values of the NFL,” Runyan informed Al-Shaair within the letter. “Your continued disregard for NFL playing rules puts the health and safety of both you and your opponents in jeopardy and will not be tolerated.”
Caserio was outraged by that a part of Runyan’s letter.
“The most important thing is the health and safety of the players and the health and well being of Trevor and hopefully Trevor is going to be OK,” Caserio mentioned. “But to speak on Azeez’s intentionality about what he intended to do and some of the comments that have been made quite frankly, it’s embarrassing. So we’re going to support Azeez. We love everything about him. We’re glad he’s a part of this team.”
Al-Shaair apologized to Lawrence in a protracted submit on X on Monday, the place he mentioned he didn’t see Lawrence sliding till “it was too late” and that it occurred “in the blink of an eye” earlier than saying he was sorry for the hit.
Jaguars coach Doug Pederson mentioned Sunday it was a play that “really has no business being in our league,” and mentioned Monday that the group is contemplating shutting Lawrence down for the season.
Former Houston Texans linebacker Denzel Perryman was suspended for 3 video games for repeatedly violating participant security guidelines final November. His suspension was decreased to 2 video games following an attraction.Kareem Jackson had a suspension for repeatedly violating participant security decreased from 4 video games to 2 video games final 12 months whereas enjoying for the Denver Broncos. He was suspended once more for 4 video games later within the season and that suspension was upheld.
AP Professional Soccer Author Rob Maaddi contributed to this report.
