The NFL upheld the three-game suspension of Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair for the hit that concussed Trevor Lawrence in Houston’s 23-20 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.
The punch knocked Lawrence out of the game and led to a brawl that preceded two ejections, including Al-Shaair’s. Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones was also ejected for his role in the ensuing fight.
Not long after the decision was announced, Al-Shaair posted a defiant message on social media, including a middle finger emoji and a photo of Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker.
Lawrence was placed on injured reserve on Wednesday. Hours after that move, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Lawrence is expected to undergo season-ending shoulder surgery to “repair his significant AC joint injury” in his non-throwing shoulder. Jacksonville (2-10) has five games remaining before the season ends. It was eliminated from the playoffs after the combination of Sunday’s loss to the Texans and wins against the Denver Broncos (8-5) and Los Angeles Chargers (8-4).
Jon Runyan, the NFL’s vice president of football operations, issued the suspension. In the NFL’s public service announcement, Runyan says Al-Shaair “delivered a forceful blow to the head/neck area when you had time and space to avoid such contact.” Runyan then broke down Al-Shaair’s actions after the goal: participating in a brawl, escalating the brawl by pulling down a player’s face mask, and continuing to brawl with Jags players in the end zone after the referee made his ejection call datum.
These actions, in addition to “multiple violations for personal fouls and sportsmanship violations in recent seasons”, have led to Runyan being handed a three-match suspension.
“Your lack of sportsmanship and respect for the game of football and all those who play, coach and enjoy it is disturbing and does not reflect the core values of the NFL… Your continued disregard for the rules of the game poses a threat to the health and safety of both you as your opponents are in danger and will not be tolerated.”
Al-Shair appealed the suspension, which he ultimately lost on Wednesday evening.
The incident occurred in the second quarter when Houston had a 6-0 lead. Lawrence scrambled on second and seventh and slid to the gain line. As Lawrence slid, Al-Shaair dove headfirst and made contact with Lawrence’s head.
Azeez Al-Shaair has landed a very late hit on Trevor Lawrence. The Jaguars immediately responded by attacking the Texans players involved. A big fight broke out. pic.twitter.com/oLeI4OHQvU
— Arye Pulli (@AryePulli) December 1, 2024
Officials immediately alerted Al-Shaair to the hit. Jaguars tight end Evan Engram then knocked Al-Shaair to the grass in defense of Lawrence as Al-Shaair protested the penalty. A brawl ensued that spilled over to the Jaguars’ sideline.
“You’re seeing this in slow motion and Azeez Al-Shaair is doing everything you’re trying to prevent in this situation,” said Daryl Johnston. pic.twitter.com/YJhrCVEWjS
— The Comeback NFL (@TheComebackNFL) December 1, 2024
Al-Shaair and two of his teammates were surrounded by Jaguars players on the sideline before officials eventually quelled the fight. Lawrence remained on the field as the fight continued. He eventually stood up before leaving the field on a cart.
A second skirmish began when Jaguars guard Brandon Scherff confronted Al-Shaair near the end zone. Officials quelled that confrontation before Al-Shaair was escorted from the field.
Lawrence was diagnosed with a concussion and did not return to the game. Mac Jones finished the game at quarterback for Jacksonville.
Not Al-Shaair’s first offense
Sunday’s controversy was not the first controversy involving Al-Shair this season. In Week 2 against the Bears, Al-Shaair hit Chicago running back Roschon Johnson in the facemask during a sideline altercation.
This violation did not result in a penalty during the match. The NFL later fined Al-Shair approximately $11,000.
