Texans RB Joe Mixon publicly calls out NFL VP’s ‘hypocrisy’ over Azeez Al-Shaair suspension - “No integrity for the game”
Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair remains a big topic of discussion in NFL circles. On Tuesday, the league announced that the defender was suspended for three games after his illegal hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence during Sunday's game.
The suspension was issued by the NFL's VP of Football Operations, Jon Runyan, a former offensive tackle who spent 13 seasons playing in the league. During the statement that made the suspension official, Runyan used some harsh words to criticize Al-Shaair:
"Your lack of sportsmanship and respect for the game of football and all those who play, coach, and enjoy watching it, is troubling and does not reflect the core values of the NFL.”
However, a video quickly surfaced of Runyan running at a San Francisco 49ers player and headbutting him during his playing days, with fans calling him a "hypocrite" after what he said to Al-Shaair.
And it wasn't just the fans: Texans running back Joe Mixon also took to Twitter to criticize Runyan for what he called "hypocrisy", saying that the former tackle also had no integrity for the game.
As Lawrence started to slide during a scramble in the Texans-Jaguars contest, Al-Shaair had a vicious hit that knocked the quarterback out of the game with a concussion. A brawl quickly formed with many Jacksonville players defending their teammate.
Which games will Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair miss due to suspension?
He will miss the next three Houston games, meaning that he won't feature against the Miami Dolphins, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens. He'll have only one more regular season game to play in 2024, when the Texans play the Tennessee Titans in Week 18.
Houston will have a bye week in Week 14. This will be one of the latest bye weeks of all teams, and they currently have an 8-5 record.
The AFC South crown is likely to stay with Houston for one more year. They're two games above the Indianapolis Colts, who also have a bye week, but they also hold the tiebreaker advantage, meaning that they'd have to lose all remaining games, and Indianapolis would have to win all remaining games.