"It's bulls**t" - Texans GM Nick Caserio makes feelings clear over Azeez Al-Shaair's 3-game suspension for Trevor Lawrence hit
After the NFL's Week 13 slate of games, fans continue to talk about the Houston Texans vs Jacksonville Jaguars matchup that quickly devolved into chaos.
Late in the first half when Trevor Lawrence was looking to extend the play on second-and-7 near midfield, Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair landed a nasty hit on the Jaguars quarterback. Lawrence, who initially was spotted in the "fencing posture," indicating he had suffered trauma to the head, was ultimately ruled out with a concussion with Mac Jones taking over in his stead.
On Tuesday, the NFL handed Al-Shaair a three-game suspension. While reports have indicated that he will lodge a challenge against the suspension in a bid to get it reduced, Texans general manager Nick Caserio made it clear he was firmly on his player's side.
“The big thing from our standpoint is some level of consistency," Caserio said on Tuesday during an open interview. "We’ve talked to the league. We don’t have a good explanation.
"I think where we take umbrage is the picture that’s been painted about Azeez, his intentions, who he is as a person. Quite frankly, it’s b*******. It’s unfair to the individual, it’s unfair to the organization. We love everything about Azeez Al-Shaair."
How much will Trevor Lawrence hit cost Azeez Al-Shaair?
While the league hasn't officially announced the sum, Spotrac noted that the Texans linebacker's suspension will cost him $250,000 of his season salary, which is $1.5 million in 2024. He will also have to give up $88,235 of his per-game bonus.
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported on Tuesday that Al-Shaair plans to appeal the suspension to reduce its length. If it is unsuccessful, he will be eligible to return in Week 17.
For his part, Al-Shaair posted a long apology to Lawrence, saying that it wasn't his intention to land such a brutal hit.
“I’ve always played the game as hard as I could. Never with the intent to harm anyone and anybody that knows me knows that. My goal is to hit you as hard as I can, then I pray you’re still able to get up and play the next play. And when the game is over, go home to your family unharmed because it’s not personal, it’s just competition!" Al-Shaair tweeted.