Texans’ Azeez Al-Shaair reveals Roger Goodell meeting, claims he was ‘smeared’ by NFL over vicious Trevor Lawrence hit

Texans’ Azeez Al-Shaair reveals Roger Goodell meeting, claims he was ‘smeared’ by NFL over vicious Trevor Lawrence hit

Texans’ linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair revealed that he met with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and two of his top executives, in his first comments since being suspended for his hit on Trevor Lawrence.

Al-Shaair, in a lengthy social media statement Monday, said he met with Goodell, executive vice president of football operations Troy Vincent and vice president of football operations Jon Runyan during his three-game suspension to express how he “was characterized in the letter sent out by the NFL.”

Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (16) slides down in front of Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (0) in the second quarter in the second quarter at EverBank Stadium on Dec. 1, 2024. Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

“Without going into detail, the meeting we had was productive and gave me hope for moving forward and playing the game that I love with continued best intentions, while also not having my character and integrity unjustifiably smeared,” Al-Shaair wrote.

He was suspended by the league a day after laying a vicious hit to a sliding Lawrence during the Texans’ game against the Jaguars on Dec. 1.

Lawrence suffered a concussion and was forced to be shut down for the remainder of the season.

Al-Shaair has apologized to Lawrence for the hit.

Runyan didn’t hold back the NFL’s official release about the suspension of Al-Shaair, who has a history of illegal plays and questionable hits that could be seen as dirty.

Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (0) is held back by Houston Texans linebacker Henry To’oTo’o (39) after being ejected against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second quarter at EverBank Stadium. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con

He was already fined this season for throwing a punch at Bears’ running back Roschon Johnson. 

“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,” the NFL’s statement read. “… Your continued disregard for NFL playing rules puts the health and safety of both you and your opponents in jeopardy and will not be tolerated.”

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell Getty Images

That did not sit well at all with the sixth-year veteran, something he clearly expressed to NFL brᴀss.

“In that conversation — man to man — I owned and acknowledged that my actions following my ejection were careless and, in that moment, I didn’t think about the responsibility I have been blessed with to represent the shield,”  Al-Shaair wrote. “I also stated that the letter, and specifically the language used in the letter, was equally as careless and conveyed that the context of the words used were not a reflection of my character, nor my career, as I have not been warned multiple times for my play on the field.”

Related Posts

Revealed: How troubled NFL star Tyreek Hill is tackling off-field woes amid explosive divorce dispute with influencer wife

Revealed: How troubled NFL star Tyreek Hill is tackling off-field woes amid explosive divorce dispute with influencer wife

NFL phenom Tyreek Hill is attempting to move forward from a troubling offseason that includes an explosive divorce dispute by going to therapy and church more often. …

Shedeur Sanders makes shock admission about Browns teammates… after claim he could be cut amid QB battle

Shedeur Sanders makes shock admission about Browns teammates… after claim he could be cut amid QB battle

Shedeur Sanders may be in the middle of a heated quarterback compeтιтion, and possibly a candidate to be cut this summer, but he loves playing for the…

Patrick Mahomes reveals Travis Kelce’s mindset after return to Chiefs practice

Patrick Mahomes reveals Travis Kelce’s mindset after return to Chiefs practice

Travis Kelce may be gearing up for his 13th NFL season, but he’s just as motivated as ever according to his teammate and friend Patrick Mahomes. Kelce,…

NFL fans left furious as ‘horrible’ Ticketmaster makes shocking decision over London ticket sale ‘s***show’

NFL fans left furious as ‘horrible’ Ticketmaster makes shocking decision over London ticket sale ‘s***show’

NFL fans are furious with Ticketmaster after the rollout of tickets for the London-based league games for this season were described as ‘horrible’ and a ‘s***show’ by…

Patrick Mahomes stuns reporters with Olympics admission

Patrick Mahomes stuns reporters with Olympics admission

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has indicated that he might not be playing in the 2028 Summer Olympic games in Los Angeles. 2028 is set to…

Josh Allen distracts himself from Hailee Steinfeld wedding with round of golf in LA

Josh Allen distracts himself from Hailee Steinfeld wedding with round of golf in LA

Josh Allen is preparing to wed Hailee Steinfield this weekend, but he seemingly made time to play some golf beforehand. While the couple have kept the date…