Texans' Azeez Al-Shaair Suspended After 'Illegal Hit' That Injured Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence

"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,” NFL's vice president of football operations said

The NFL announced that Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair has been suspended for multiple games after injuring Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence.

In an official statement issued on Tuesday, Dec. 3, the league said that Al-Shaair, 27, will have to sit out three games without pay “for repeated violations of rules intended to protect the health and safety of players and promote sportsmanship.”

During the matchup between the Texans and the Jaguars on Sunday, Dec. 1, Al-Shaair was ejected from the game after hitting Lawrence, 25, in the head and neck area during the second quarter. Following the incident, a brawl erupted between both teams. The Jaguars later issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter) saying that the quarterback "has been ruled OUT with a concussion."

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Tuesday's suspension was issued by NFL vice president of football operations Jon Runyan, who wrote a letter detailing the reason for the decision.

“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.  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,” Runyan wrote.

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His message continued, calling out Al-Shaair’s unsportsmanlike behavior on the field. “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… 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,” he wrote.

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Al-Shaair will be able to return to the Texans’ roster after the team’s game against the Baltimore Ravens. According to The Associated Press, he plans to appeal the suspension.

The incident with Lawrence marks the third time this season that Al-Shaair has been punished for his behavior on the field. He was previously fined $11,255 in November for an out of bounds hit against Titans running back Tony Pollard, which followed another fine for punching Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson, the AP reported.

The day before his suspension was announced, Al-Shaair posted a message on X explaining that the hit against Lawrence was not intentional, while also calling out his critics. “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!,” the player wrote.