Patriots Star Blasts NFL for Protecting QBs Over Trevor Lawrence Hit as Banned Azeez Al-Shaair Appeals Verdicts

The NFL was not letting Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair slide after his brutal hit that left Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence concussed. His hit in the second quarter was so dangerous that Lawrence stayed motionless on the gridiron for a few seconds. Although he responded within a few moments, the Jags QB showed fencing symptoms where both of his fists were clenched tightly.

As Lawrence lay on the field, multiple skirmishes erupted, with players from both sides getting involved. Moments later, Al-Shaair was ejected, along with Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones. After a brief time, Lawrence was able to stand and was taken to the locker room on a cart. While Al-Shaair was called out by many including Jaguars head coach Doug Pederson, Patriots star Jahlani Tavai has hit out at the NFL for protecting quarterbacks too much.

The league has suspended Al-Shaair for three games for his hit and involvement in the brawl that ensued. The linebacker was blamed for “continued disregard for NFL playing rules,” and that he put himself and his opponent in jeopardy. But talking on the Greg Hills Show, the Patriots LB Jahlani Tavai had a slightly different take on the whole situation.

“I think its the hardest thing to do, tackling the quarterback, because you don’t know if they are gonna slide, you don’t know if they are gonna get that extra yard or go off balance. So I understand where he’s coming from but it’s just a tough play,” he said. When asked whether there is a particular fix for avoiding such instances, Tavai sounded exasperated over the NFL’s protection of QBs.

“This also goes on probably the players, on the quarterbacks too. You can’t slide last minute….I don’t like it they are so protected in this league. Back in the day, you could do whatever to a QB; you can dog-rag him whatever,” Tavia mentioned.

Lawrence was carrying the ball and went into a slide feet-first at Houston’s 45-yard line during the second quarter. Al-Shaair decided to launch into him and delivered a forearm shot near the quarterback’s head and shoulder, leaving him on the field.

However, after the game, Al-Shaair issued a statement on X apologizing for injuring Lawrence. “I would never want to see any player hurt because of a hit I put on them, especially one that’s deemed ‘late’ or ‘unnecessary.'” But it seems like none of those apologies worked.

Al-Shaair has had his troubles with the NFL before as well. He was fined $11,255 last week for a late hit on Tennessee Titans running back Tony Pollard while out of bounds. The LB also was hit with a $11,817 fine earlier this season after he punched Chicago Bears running back Roschon Johnson on the sideline.

However, on this occasion, Al-Shaair isn’t sitting back and wants to appeal the suspension handed out by NFL.

Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair retaliates against the NFL’s judgment for leaving Trevor Lawrence concussed

It was the NFL’s vice president of football operations, Jon Runyan, who dropped the announcement of the Texans LB’s suspension. He deemed the tackle unacceptable within the rulebooks of the NFL, “You were involved in a play that the NFL considers unacceptable and a serious violation of the playing rules.” Runyan also went on to point out the video that showed how Al-Shaair could have avoided that contact, “You led with your forearm and helmet and delivered a forceful blow to the head/neck area of your opponent. When you had time and space to avoid such contact.”

Well, Jon didn’t just stop there on his letter as he blamed the Texans LB for the brawl that took place moments later. “Proceeded to engage in a brawl, which you escalated when you pulled an opponent down to the ground by his face,” as per Runyan. Jon also added that the six-year veteran yet again re-engaged with his opponents before leaving the field. “Removed your helmet and reengaged with your opponent. While walking down and across the field, which started another physical confrontation near the end zone.”

But Al-Shaair is not ready to accept the judgment. As per Adam Schefter, he will appeal the suspension. His appeal will be heard by either Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, Kevin Mawae, or Jordy Nelson — the appeal officers jointly appointed by the NFL and NFLPA. If this decision stands even after appeal, then the Texans LB will only return during the regular season finale against the Titans.