The NFL has introduced a three-game suspension for Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair for repeated violations of guidelines meant to guard the well being and security of gamers and promote sportsmanship. Al-Shaair was ejected from Sunday’s win over the Jacksonville Jaguars for his hit on Trevor Lawrence.
Al-Shaair laid a vicious hit on Lawrence halfway by the second quarter of the Texans win. Lawrence, who was making his return to the sphere after lacking time on account of a shoulder harm, scrambled up the left aspect of the sphere on a second-and-7 play and slid after touring for a 6-yard acquire. As he was properly into his slide, Al-Shaair may very well be seen rocketing towards Lawrence and delivering a tough hit to the quarterback’s head along with his forearm.
Lawrence was down on the sphere earlier than being carted to the locker room and finally dominated out on account of a concussion.
In a letter to Al-Shaair, NFL Vice President of Football Operations Jon Runyan famous the Texans linebacker has had a number of offenses for private fouls and sportsmanship-related guidelines violations in latest seasons:
“During your recreation in opposition to the Jacksonville Jaguars on December 1, with 4:20 remaining within the second quarter, you have been concerned in a play that the League considers unacceptable and a severe violation of the enjoying guidelines. Video exhibits you hanging the pinnacle/neck space of Jaguars’ quarterback Trevor Lawrence after he clearly goes down in a feet-first slide…You led together with your forearm and helmet and delivered a forceful blow to the pinnacle/neck space of your opponent if you had time and area to keep away from such contact.”
“After the unlawful hit, you proceeded to have interaction in a brawl, which you escalated if you pulled an opponent all the way down to the bottom by his facemask. After the referee introduced that you just have been disqualified for the hit and your unsportsmanlike acts, you eliminated your helmet and reengaged together with your opponent whereas strolling down and throughout the sphere, which began one other bodily confrontation close to the top zone.
“Your lack of sportsmanship and respect for the sport of soccer and all those that play, coach, and luxuriate in watching it, is troubling and doesn’t mirror the core values of the NFL…Your continued disregard for NFL enjoying guidelines places the well being and security of each you and your opponents in jeopardy and won’t be tolerated.”
Al-Shaair will probably be eligible to return to the Texans’ energetic roster following the crew’s Week 17 recreation in opposition to the Baltimore Ravens, so the earliest return will probably be January 5 in opposition to the Tennessee Titans. Al-Shaair can enchantment the suspension, per the NFL CBA, and will probably be suspended with out pay.