Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair released a statement Monday night as he is set to return to the team following a three-game suspension for a big hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
Al-Shaair thanked Texans owners Cal and Hannah McNair, general manager Nick Caserio and head coach DeMeco Ryans, and others who defended him over the hit.
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Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, #0, reacts after being ejected against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second quarter at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida on December 1, 2024. (Images by Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn)
“While many took the first opportunity to exploit the false narrative (that I am a dirty player or a bad person), the messages from everyone who supported me were the only thing keeping me mentally afloat during a time of isolation.” said.
He said losing control of the moment “was an embarrassing and eye-opening moment” and regretted the way it was handled.
Al-Shaair said he met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and executives Troy Vincent and Jon Runyan. He made it clear to them that he didn’t feel Runyan’s statement about him before the suspension was a good characterization. He said their meeting was productive.
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, #16, slides in front of Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, #0, in the second quarter at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, on December 1 of 2024. (Images by Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn)
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“Lastly, I will say that this world is full of negative people who can’t wait to bring you down, but if you move with love and compassion, the seeds of good that you planted in the lives of others can become the true pleasure that you give yourself. full of comfort and compassion when you need it most,” she said.
“I am a man of God, I am a leader, a warrior and a love. I am also a great soccer player and I am grateful to be back doing what I love.”
Al-Shaair will return for the Texans’ postseason run. Houston is on a two-game losing streak.
The hit Lawrence took essentially cost the Jaguars star the rest of the season. He was ruled out of the game with a concussion and it was later determined that he would undergo surgery on the shoulder he injured earlier in the year.
Players fight after Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, #0, hit Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence with a late hit during the first half of a NFL football game. NFL on Sunday, December 1, 2024 in Jacksonville, Florida. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Al-Shaair was suspended while Runyan called the hit “unacceptable and a serious violation of the rules of the game.”
