NFL insider: Azeez Al-Shaair set to fight NFL over suspension for hit on Trevor Lawrence

Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair is being suspended for three games, the NFL announced on Tuesday, following his ejection against the Jacksonville Jaguars for an illegal hit to Trevor Lawrence’s head and neck area.

However, he will be appealing the suspension, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter: “Source: Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair is appealing his three-game suspension by the NFL,” he posted on X. “His appeal will be heard by one of the appeals officers jointly appointed by the NFL and NFLPA: Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, Kevin Mawae or Jordy Nelson.”

There’s always a chance Al-Shaair’s suspension is reduced at the least, but it remains to be seen. The lengthy discipline stems from a play this past weekend where Al-Shaair launched himself at the Jaguars signal-caller as Lawrence was sliding during this past Sunday’s AFC South clash. The quarterback was visibly shaken up, and left the game immediately without returning.

Lawrence’s teammates stepped in, and a brawl ensued due to Al-Shaair’s hit, before the linebacker was ejected. Evidently, Al-Shaair’s past was a factor in deciding on three games, as well: “The NFL noted that Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair has had multiple offenses for personal fouls and sportsmanship-related rules violations in recent seasons,” Schefter added.

Moreover, the linebacker provided a statement regarding the altercation on Monday, with Al-Shaair apologized specifically to the quarterback, and credited the Jaguars for standing up for what they perceived to be a dirty, late hit.

“I’ve always played the game as hard as I could. Never with the intent to harm anyone and anybody that knows me knows that,” Al-Shaair wrote, via X. “My goal is to hit you as hard as I can then I pray you’re still able to get up and play the next play. And when the game is over go home to your family unharmed because it’s not personal it’s just competition! We both are trying to do the same thing which is provide for our families! I genuinely didn’t see him sliding until it was too late. And it all happens in the blink of an eye.

“To Trevor I genuinely apologize to you for what ended up happening. Before the game we spoke and I told you how it was great to see you back out on the field and wished you well. I would never want to see any player hurt because of a hit I put on them, especially one that’s deemed ‘late’ or ‘unnecessary.’ To the rest of his teammates I can definitely understand you having his back and defending him in a situation like that. 

“To the rest of the people who I’ve been called every single name in the book, from reporters with their hands ready for a story to find their their villain, to racist and Islamophobic fans and people, you don’t know my heart nor my character which I don’t need to prove to any of you. God knows my intentions and anyone who has ever been a teammate or friend of mine knows my heart.”

It remains to be seen if Azeez Al-Shaair’s three-game suspension sticks, but the NFL is taking a hardline stance on the matter, as the play is one of many they’re trying to remove from the game moving forward.