Azeez Al-Shaair of the Texans is ‘grateful’ to return to football after being suspended for a hard hit
Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair released a statement Monday night as he nears his return to the team following a three-game suspension for a hit on Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker 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 with this song.
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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 Dec. 1, 2024. (Photos by Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn)
“While many jumped at the first opportunity to jump on the false story – that I was a dirty player or a bad person – the messages from all those who stood by me were the only thing that kept me focused during the separation,” he said.
He said the failure to manage time was “shameful and an eye-opener” and expressed remorse for his behaviour.
Al-Shaair said he met with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and officials Troy Vincent and Jon Runyan. He made it clear to them that he did not feel that Runyan’s speech about him before the suspension was good character. He said their meeting was fruitful.
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, #16, slides down in front of Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, #0, in the second quarter at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, on Dec . 1, 2024. (Photos by Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn)
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“In the end, I will say that this world is full of bad people who can’t wait to tear you down, but if you walk with love and compassion, the seeds of goodness you plant in the lives of others can grow into kindness. That gives you comfort and compassion when you need it the most,” she said.
“I am a man of God, I am a leader, a hero and love. I am also a footballer and thank you for coming back and doing what I love.”
Al-Shaair will return for the Texans’ postseason run. Houston is on a two game streak.
The chant directed at Lawrence cost the Jaguars star the entire season. He ended up not playing because of a concussion, and it became clear that he will undergo surgery on the shoulder he injured at the beginning of the year.
Players fight after Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, #0, hits Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Trevor Lawrence with a late hit during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024 in Jacksonville, Florida. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
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Al-Shaair was suspended when Runyan called the chant “unacceptable and a serious violation of the rules of the game.”
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