HOUSTON – Texans general manager Nick Caserio, in a fired-up mood, was outspoken Tuesday morning as he criticized the NFL’s three-game suspension of veteran linebacker and team captain Azeez Al-Shaair.
He called the commentary about Al-Shaair and the reaction to his controversial, concussion-causing hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence “unfair, embarrassing, inconsistent” and criticism of Al-Shaair’s character “bull----”
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#Texans general manager Nick Caserio on three game suspension of Azeez Al-Shaair defends his character and called it 'unfair' and 'inconsistent' @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/3b1Bhgtlhr
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 3, 2024
The hit in question occurred in the second quarter of Sunday’s game between the Texans and Jaguars. Lawrence scrambled out to his left and tucked the football. After advancing beyond the line of scrimmage by several yards, he slid down to give himself up, at which point Al-Shaair lunged towards him with his elbow forward. The resulting collision caused Lawrence’s head to violently swing backwards into the grass.
The hit resulted in a skirmish involving tens of players from both sidelines. Al-Shaair was ejected for the hit, and Jaguars’ rookie cornerback Jarrian Jones was also sent to the locker room for his conduct in the resulting brawl.
MORE INFORMATION: Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair suspended three games for controversial tackle on Trevor Lawrence, filing appeal
Al-Shaair was voted a team captain by his teammates. He also apologized for the hit in a statement released on X, saying those who are attacking him “don’t know my heart.”
#Texans GM Nick Caserio proud of development of standout corner Derek Stingley Jr. @stingjr said he's 'playing as well as any corner in #NFL noted how excellent Patrick Surtain has been too @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/5fFq56C5X2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 3, 2024
Nick Caserio is fired up about the suspension of Azeez Al-Shaair @KPRC2 pic.twitter.com/7hx9cAlCY7
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) December 3, 2024
Al-Shaair is appealing the suspension under the NFL collective bargaining agreement, according to league sources.
If the suspension is upheld and not reduced, Al-Shaair will be eligible to return following a Week 17 game against the Baltimore Ravens on Christmas Day.
Al-Shaair will lose $112,745 per game check is the suspension remains, which includes $83,333 per week salary, plus $29,411.76 per game active roster bonus. Total lost money at stake for Al-Shaair: $338,235.
Aaron Wilson is a Texans and NFL reporter for KPRC 2 and click2houston.com