Texans' Azeez Al-Shaair comes under scrutiny over Trevor Lawrence hit, pro-Palestinian cleats
FOX NewsDec 07, 2024
NFL Suspends Texans' Al-Shaair for Hit on Lawrence
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Above: Azeez Al-Shaair at AT&T Stadium on Nov. 18, 2024. Image copyright: Perry Knotts/Contributor/Getty Images Sports via Getty Images
The Facts
Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair received a three-game suspension without pay for a late hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence during their Sunday matchup, the NFL announced on Wednesday.
The clash came in the second quarter when Al-Shaair struck Lawrence's head with his forearm while the quarterback was sliding after a 6-yard gain. Lawrence was diagnosed with a concussion and Al-Shaair was ejected from the game.
The hit sparked a significant brawl between both teams, leading to additional ejections and personal foul penalties. Lawrence was carted off the field and was unable to return to the game.
The Spin
Narrative A
Al-Shaair's hit was an unfortunate split-second decision, which occurred when he couldn't react in time to Lawrence's late slide. He plays the game hard and the right way, and he never intends to injure anyone. Al-Shaair has expressed regret for Lawrence's injury, but at the same time, quarterbacks must do a better job of protecting themselves and not exploiting the rules for their benefit.
Narrative B
Coaches and players have been known to make any number of excuses for committing egregious penalties, but blaming the quarterback in this instance is absurd. Al-Shaair may not have wanted to hurt Lawrence, but he clearly wanted to intimidate him despite Lawrence being in a defenseless position. The hit was in clear violation of NFL rules meant to reduce the number of head injuries players suffer.
