NFL reviewing Azeez Al-Shaair hit on Trevor Lawrence, suspension and fine expected

Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair is expected to receive a strong punishment for his hit on Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence on Sunday afternoon. Al-Shaair hit Lawrence high as he went to slide, knocking the former Clemson star out of the game.

Azeez Al-Shaair is expected to be suspended for the hit, according to ESPN insider Adam Schefter. He revealed the news Monday morning on Twitter.

“It is now anticipated that Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair will be suspended for the hit that he delivered Sunday to Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence. The only question is for how long,” Schefter posted.

In addition to a suspension, Azeez Al-Shaair is also facing a possible fine. Texans reporter Aaron Wilson revealed that news Monday morning when posting an update on Al-Shaair.

Wilson reports that the NFL is still reviewing the hit “for potential suspension and heavy fine. While no decision has been handed down, expectation since play unfolded has been a suspension. Al-Shaair has never been suspended before.”

Earlier Monday, Azeez Al-Shaair apologized for his hit on Trevor Lawrence.

“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 on Twitter. “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.”