A player will face a multi-game suspension for the first time in five seasons due to an incident on the field.

Azeez Al-Shaair, the linebacker for the Houston Texans, has been ruled out for three games after the NFL rejected his appeal regarding the suspension, as reported by YSL News Sports. Al-Shaair received the suspension due to a hit on Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence during the second quarter of a Week 13 match between the Texans and the Jaguars.

The appeal was heard by Ramon Foster, one of four hearing officers appointed by both the NFL and NFLPA, who confirmed the original suspension.

As a result of this ruling, Al-Shaair is set to become the first player since Myles Garrett, Larry Ogunjobi, and Maurkice Pouncey—who were all suspended for a brawl during a Browns-Steelers game on November 15, 2019—to serve a suspension for actions taken on the field.

Frustrated by the NFL’s decision, Al-Shaair expressed his feelings on social media.

“If you want me to be your villain, I’ll take on that role,” he stated, sharing an image of the Joker from Batman.

Here’s a summary of the events leading to this situation.

Incident Involving Azeez Al-Shaair and Trevor Lawrence

Al-Shaair collided with Lawrence while the quarterback was attempting to slide during a scramble in the second quarter.

This hit sparked a fight, resulting in the ejection of Al-Shaair and Jaguars defensive back Jarrion Jones.

Lawrence was subsequently carted off the field and did not return for the remainder of the game.

Al-Shaair later issued an apology to Lawrence via social media, stating, “I would never want to cause injury to any player because of my actions, especially for a hit labeled ‘late’ or ‘unnecessary.’ To his teammates, I completely understand your protective response in such a situation.”

On Tuesday, the NFL announced that Al-Shaair would face a three-game suspension.

NFL’s Reaction to Azeez Al-Shaair’s Hit

“Your behavior shows a lack of sportsmanship and respect towards football and the community involved, which is concerning and fails to embody the NFL’s core principles,” wrote Runyan. “Your relentless disregard for NFL rules jeopardizes the wellbeing of both you and your opponents and will not be accepted.”

After the game, Texans coach DeMeco Ryans remarked that the hit was “regrettable” and “not aligned with our training,” emphasizing that it does not accurately represent Al-Shaair as a player. Houston’s general manager Nick Caserio also criticized the league’s portrayal of Al-Shaair and questioned the consistency of the decision-making process.

“Let’s look at this season. There have been several comparable situations,” Caserio noted. “(Brian) Branch was ejected against Green Bay and played the following week against us. Derwin (James) received a one-game suspension after being ejected.”

Caserio highlighted that Al-Shaair had never previously faced ejection or suspension and mentioned other players, including former Texans safety Kareem Jackson, who were ejected multiple times before being suspended.

“For the league to make comments about a lack of sportsmanship, coachability, and rule adherence is frankly embarrassing,” said Caserio.

Al-Shaair’s Social Media Reaction to His Suspension

Following the announcement of his upheld suspension, Al-Shaair quickly took to social media.

Here is a snapshot of his post, shared across platforms like Instagram and X (formerly known as Twitter).

NFL Suspensions in 2024

Al-Shaair is the latest prominent player to receive a suspension this season. Detroit Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams has been suspended for two games due to a breach of the NFL’s Performance-Enhancing Substances (PES) policy. Meanwhile, Los Angeles Chargers safety Derwin James has received a one-game suspension for multiple violations of gameplay regulations.

Azeez Al-Shaair’s Return from Suspension

Al-Shaair is expected to be available for the Texans’ Week 18 matchup against the Tennessee Titans.