NFL Texans LB Aziz Al-Shayer suspended 3 games for injury that hit Trevor Lawrence, altercation with Jaguars

The NFL suspended Texans linebacker Aziz Al-Shayr three games for frustrating Trevor Lawrence in Houston’s 23-20 win over the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday. The injury knocked Lawrence out of the game and sparked a scuffle before the two were ejected, including Al-Shayir. Jaguars cornerback Zarian Jones was also ejected for his role in the ensuing melee.

NFL Vice President of Football Operations John Runyan issued the suspension. In the NFL’s public announcement, Runyan said Al-Shair “delivered a forceful blow to the head/neck when you had time and space to avoid such contact.” Runian then broke down Al-Shayr’s actions after the injury: engaging in a brawl, escalating the brawl by pulling down a player with a facemask, and continuing to fight Jags players in the end zone after the referee called his ejection.

Those actions, in addition to “multiple offenses for personal fouls and sports-related rule violations in recent seasons,” led to Runyan being issued a three-game suspension.

Al-Shair is said to be appealing the suspension. Appeals will be heard by one of the appeals officers jointly appointed by the NFL and the NFLPA: Derrick Brooks, Ramon Foster, Kevin Mawai or Jordy Nelson.

The incident occurred in the second quarter when Houston was leading 6-0. Lawrence scrambled on second-and-7 and drove to the line for the gain. Al-Shair dove head first to make contact with Lawrence’s head as Lawrence slipped.

Officials immediately flagged Al-Shair for injury. Jaguars tight end Evan Engram then shoved Al-Shair in Lawrence’s defense as Al-Shair protested the penalty. A brawl broke out and spilled onto the Jaguars’ sideline.

Al-Shair and his two teammates were surrounded by Jaguars players on the sideline before officials finally broke up the fight. Lawrence lay on the field as he continued to fight. He finally stood up before leaving the field in a cart.

The second scrimmage began when Jaguars guard Brandon Scherff tackled Al-Shayer near the end zone. Officials squashed the scuffle before Al-Shayr was escorted off the field.

Lawrence suffered a concussion and did not return to the game. Mack Jones finished the game at quarterback for Jacksonville.

Not Al-Shayr’s first offense

Sunday’s controversy was not the first this season involving Al-Shayir. In Week 2 against the Bears, Al-Shair punched Chicago’s Roshan Johnson while wearing a facemask during a sideline altercation.

That infraction did not draw a penalty during the game. The NFL later issued a fine of nearly $11,000 to Al-Shayr.