Texans GM Nick Caserio slams “unfair” NFL for suspending Azeez Al-Shaair
Nick Caserio didn’t mind calling out Azeez Al-Shaair's suspension by the NFL, following the violent hit on Trevor Lawrence, unfair in Week 13.
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Nick Caserio and Azeez Al-Shaair (Via Yahoo Sports/Sporting News)
The Houston Texans are entering the bye week without their star linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair due to his NFL suspension, which General Manager Nick Caserio didn’t mind calling “unfair” as he addressed the media post-Week 13 game.
During Sunday’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, linebacker Al-Shaair drew significant attention after delivering a brutal and controversial hit that resulted in a concussion for the opposing quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The NFL punished the Texans linebacker by imposing a three-game suspension.
When the Texans General Manager Caserio was asked about his player’s suspension, he did not take the diplomatic approach as he did previously. Instead, he spoke in the linebacker’s defense and called the suspension “unfair.”
For the league to make some of the commentary that they made about lack of sportsmanship, lack of coachability, lack of paying attention to the rules. Quite frankly, it’s embarrassing. The picture that’s been painted about Azeez, his intentions, who he is as a person… It’s unfair to the individual. It’s unfair to the organization.
Nick Caserio asserted emphasizing that Al-Shaair has never even been ejected or suspended
The Texans’ linebacker later apologized to Lawrence, clarifying that he did not intend to hurt him amid the intense criticism he has been receiving all over the internet.
Azeez Al-Shaair not fully blamed for hit on Trevor Lawrence
Even though Al-Shaair apologized by owning up to his mistake of hurting the Jaguars quarterback, he was not entirely blamed for it. While Texans head coach DeMecco Ryans asserted that his linebacker was not at fault, the Jaguars coach Doug Pederson also admitted the mistake of the slide play made by Lawrence.
In the second quarter of the game, Lawrence began to slide after scrambling to the left on a second-and-7 play. That’s why Al-Shaair hit him with his forearm, leaving the quarterback on the ground motionless for a few minutes.
I saw him sliding and then I saw the hit, and then, honestly, [my emotions] just took over. I just knew it was wrong. It was just a dirty play, and you stick up for your guys.
Tight end Evan Engram said about the little physical altercation following the play
After taking the violent blow to his facemask, Lawrence was carted off the field and would undergo a concussion protocol. Until his medical diagnosis is fully completed, his status for the remaining season has been marked uncertain for now.
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