Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair’s three-game suspension has been upheld by the NFL following a hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence that left him on injured reserve and likely ending his season. Al-Shaair posted an apology to Lawrence on Monday, but took a different tone on Wednesday, posting a cryptic message on Instagram along with a photo collage that included a quote about being rejected and misunderstood.
The incident led to a melee between the two teams after the hit, with both sides exchanging blows and punches flying in the second quarter of the game. Jacksonville Jaguars head coach DeMeco Ryans claims that the Houston Texans overreacted to the situation, while NFL vice president of football operations Jon Runyan called the hit “unacceptable and a serious violation of the playing rules.”
The suspension, which will require Al-Shaair to miss four games, will make it difficult for him to return to the team for the remainder of the season. Lawrence, who has been placed on injured reserve, will also miss the next four games, but will be eligible to return for the final game of the season. The incident has raised concerns about player safety and the importance of protecting quarterbacks in the game.