The NFL has handed down punishment to Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair after he knocked Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence out of last weekend's game.
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Al-Shaair will miss the next three games for his blow to Lawrence's head, which resulted in a concussion. Officials also ejected the linebacker from last weekend's game. Al-Shaair has the option to appeal the suspension.
NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan issued the suspension and provided reasoning for the decision in a letter to Al-Shaair. Runyan cited the linebacker's "continued disregard" for the NFL rules when explaining the suspension.
"Video shows you striking the head/neck area of Jaguars' quarterback Trevor Lawrence after he clearly goes down in a feet-first slide," the letter states. "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."
Runyan noted in the letter that the NFL deemed this action unacceptable and a "serious violation" of the rules. He also said that the on-field brawl played a role in the suspension.
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"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," Runyan added.
"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."
Al-Shaair issued an apology in the aftermath of last weekend's game, which the Texans won 23-20. He said that he would never want to see another player get hurt and noted that he had a pre-game conversation with Lawrence. The linebacker said that he had told the quarterback how great it was to see him back on the field.
Al-Shaair also said in his apology on social media that he understood why Jaguars players such as Evan Engram had defended their quarterback in that situation.
