Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair posted an apology to X after he was ejected from the workforce’s recreation in opposition to the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday for an unwarranted hit on quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
“I’d by no means wish to see any participant damage due to a hit I put on them particularly one which’s deemed ‘late’ or ‘pointless’,” Al-Shaair mentioned in a part of his social media assertion.
The hit – which many have described as “violent” and “soiled” – occurred simply earlier than the top of the primary half when Lawrence slid after a six-yard acquire. Al-Shaair launched towards him simply as he started to slip, knocking Lawrence within the facemask together with his forearm.
Lawrence’s teammates instantly got here to his protection after seeing the hit, which initiated a brawl on the sphere between the 2 groups.
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As the scuffle ensued, Lawrence lay on the bottom in an obvious “fencing place” earlier than he was helped to his toes and carted off for analysis.
He didn’t return for the second half of the sport, however thanked individuals for the prayers on his X account and mentioned he was “residence and feeling higher.”
According to ESPN and different shops, Lawrence was not transported to a hospital for additional remedy.
The younger quarterback had simply returned to the Jaguars’ beginning lineup after lacking a few video games for one other harm.
Al-Shaair was ejected from the sport, however he didn’t go away with grace.
Jaguars guard Brandon Scherff joined in with booing, offended followers as Al-Shaair was leaving the sphere in Everbank Stadium, inflicting one other temporary altercation.
Al-Shaair then exchanged phrases with a fan who hit his teammate Will Anderson Jr. within the helmet with a water bottle whereas Anderson was helped to escort Al-Shaair again to the locker room. The fan was ejected from the sport.
Jaguars rookie cornerback Jarrian Jones additionally was ejected for throwing a punch in the course of the first scramble after the hit on Lawrence.
Further assessment of the play might end in a suspension for Al-Shaair.
“That was a dumb hit on his half,” Jaguars defensive finish Josh Hines-Allen mentioned in post-game interviews. “Hate to see it. The very first thing I considered was to go get him as a result of it’s your brother, and that’s the quarterback.”
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Jaguars tight finish Evan Engram mentioned, “I simply knew it was fallacious. It was only a soiled play, and also you stick up for your guys.”
Al-Shaair has had some questionable acts in previous video games this season already. ESPN reported he was fined $11,817 for punching Chicago Bears working again Roschon Johnson on the sideline in Week 2.
“Unfortunate with the hit with Azeez,” Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans mentioned after Sunday’s recreation. “It’s not what we’re teaching.”
The Texans in the end received the sport 23-20 and are headed into their bye week for the season.
Meanwhile, the Jaguars will head to Tennessee to play the Titans on Sunday for their Week 14 matchup.
