The Baltimore Ravens caught a break for their Week 17 matchup against the Houston Texans. Linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, who's suspended for a vicious hit on Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, will not be available to face Lamar Jackson and the Ravens. Removing Al-Shaair from the equation helps Baltimore breathe a little easier heading into a crucial late-season game.
The hit that led to Al-Shaair’s suspension was more than just a poor decision. It was a blatant violation of player safety rules, delivered as Lawrence slid to the ground during the Texans’ Week 13 win. The blow concussed Lawrence, ending his season and leaving Jacksonville scrambling to finish out a disappointing campaign. Al-Shaair’s actions didn’t just stop with the hit, though. He escalated the situation into a full-blown brawl, drawing a well-deserved ejection and an eventual three-game suspension upheld by the NFL this week.
Adding to the controversy, Al-Shaair’s reaction to the suspension has been anything but remorseful. Despite issuing a half-hearted apology to Lawrence immediately after the game, the Texans linebacker took to social media following the league’s ruling.
IF YOU WANT ME TO BE YOUR VILLAIN, ILL BE YOUR VILLAIN!🖕🏾SEE YOU SOON…🃏 pic.twitter.com/GA5FMglMjz
— Azeez Al-shaair (@A_train2_) December 5, 2024
His defiant post declared, “IF YOU WANT ME TO BE YOUR VILLAIN, ILL BE YOUR VILLAIN!” along with a middle finger emoji and images of Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker. For someone facing backlash for a dangerous and reckless play, Al-Shaair’s response has only made things worse.
Texans LB Azeez Al-Shaair shows zero remorse for illegal hit on Jaguars Trevor Lawrence
Al-Shaair’s public apology to Trevor Lawrence felt more like an attempt to appease the NFL than a genuine expression of regret. While he claimed he never intended to injure Lawrence, his actions after the suspension tell a different story. By embracing the “villain” label and lashing out on social media, Al-Shaair has shown no understanding of the impact his hit had on Lawrence or the league’s efforts to prioritize player safety.
The NFL didn’t mince words in its suspension letter. Vice President of Policy and Rules Administration Jon Runyan condemned Al-Shaair’s “continued disregard” for safety rules, citing his escalation of the Jaguars brawl and a history of personal fouls.
“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 … 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.”
Al-Shaair has made a habit of crossing the line, and the league sent a clear message this behavior will not be tolerated.
For the Ravens, Al-Shaair’s absence is welcome news. The Texans linebacker has been a key defensive presence for Houston, tallying 68 tackles, two sacks, and four passes defended this season. Against a dynamic playmaker like Lamar Jackson, Al-Shaair’s physicality and aggressiveness could have caused problems. Instead, the Ravens will face a Texans defense missing one of its most disruptive players.
The suspension is a win for the NFL’s player safety protocols and a reminder that reckless behavior has consequences. For Al-Shaair, it’s an opportunity to reflect—if he chooses to do so.