Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair became a household name for all the wrong reasons this weekend. Al-Shaair delivered a dirty hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence in Sunday’s AFC South tilt between the two teams.The NFL responded to the hit with a three-game suspension for Al-Shaair.
On Wednesday, the NFL upheld that ruling, meaning the Texans linebacker will have to serve his suspension.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirmed the news Wednesday.
“The three-game suspension of Houston linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair was upheld,” Schefter wrote.
The three-game suspension of Houston linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair was upheld.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 4, 2024
On Wednesday, the Jaguars learned that Lawrence’s season was over. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, Lawrence suffered a “significant” AC joint injury and will require surgery. So, after the dirty hit, Lawrence won’t play another snap in 2024. He’s expected to make a full recovery for the 2025 season.
It’s unfortunate news for Lawrence, who can’t seem to catch a break. This injury only adds to the frustration in Jacksonville.
That said, the injury won’t go without consequence for Al-Shaair. While NFL legend Tom Brady defended Al-Shaair’s hit and suggested penalizing quarterbacks for late slide, logic prevailed in this scenario. Al-Shaair’s hit was blatant and warranted punishment from the league.
Al-Shaair will return later this December while the Texans continue to push for the playoffs.
The NFL world reacted to the ruling.
IF YOU WANT ME TO BE YOUR VILLAIN, ILL BE YOUR VILLAIN!🖕🏾SEE YOU SOON…🃏 pic.twitter.com/GA5FMglMjz
— Azeez Al-shaair (@A_train2_) December 5, 2024
The way Demeco and Caserio was talking, obvious this was coming. https://t.co/d2OjJZZ57y
— Justin (@JayCmoe) December 4, 2024
As it should’ve been. Azeez knew, in real time, he was doing too much‼️ Definitely not a dirty player, yet, most definitely a dirty play. Prior fines and involvement in a 2nd melee didn’t help his case. He will be missed.#Texans are (7-3) w/ him / (1-2) w/o him. #HTownMade https://t.co/Vedq6Ar3Mv
— Stan M. Norfleet (@StanSportsMan) December 5, 2024
The NFL somehow gets even weaker. https://t.co/9o8kbtKH24
— AuctionMaster (@BernardFaller1) December 5, 2024
About Chris Novak
Chris Novak has been talking and writing about sports ever since he can remember. Previously, Novak wrote for and managed sites in the SB Nation network for nearly a decade from 2013-2022