Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair suspended three games for ‘unacceptable’ late hit on Jags QB Trevor Lawrence

Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair was handed a three-game suspension without pay by the NFL on Tuesday for a late hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence during Sunday’s game.

Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair was handed a three-game suspension without pay by the NFL on Tuesday for a late hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence during Sunday’s game. In the second quarter, Lawrence was hit in the head by Al-Shaair as the Jags QB was sliding on the ground following a six-yard run. As Lawrence laid on the turf, a scuffle between the two teams broke out. Al-Shaair was ejected from the game along with Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones for the ensuing fight. In a statement released on Tuesday, the NFL announced it was suspending Al-Shaair for “repeated violations of rules intended to protect the health and safety of players and promote sportsmanship.” It is not the first time Al-Shaair has been penalized for a similar incident: the 27-year-old was fined $11,255 for a late hit that occurred November 24 in a game against the Tennessee Titans. He also was fined $11,817 for punching a player in Houston’s game against the Chicago Bears in Week 2. In a letter sent to Al-Shaair, NFL vice president of football operations Jon Runyan said that the linebacker’s hit on Lawrence was “unacceptable and a serious violation of the playing rules,” while also highlighting his actions in the ensuing brawl and after his ejection. “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,” Runyan said. “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.”