Azeez Al-Shaair, a linebacker for the Houston Texans, is apologizing to Trevor Lawrence for his contentious hit on Sunday, claiming that he never meant to injure the Jaguars quarterback and denouncing “racist” and “Islamophobic” fans in the process.
The 27-year-old said on X… that although he usually plays hard, he doesn’t intentionally try to eliminate opponents from the game.
He stated: “My goal is to hit you as hard as I can then I pray you’re still able to get up and play the next play,”. “And when the game is over go home to your family unharmed because it’s not personal it’s just competition!” “To Trevor i genuinely apologize to you for what ended up happening,” To the rest of the people who I’ve been called every single name in the book from reporters with their hands ready for a story to find their villain, to racist and islamophobic fans and people, you don’t know my heart nor my character which I don’t need to prove to any of you.”
Brutal hit on Jacksonville #Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence by Aziz Al-Shaair. Al-Shaair was ejected and Lawrence was carted off. #NFL pic.twitter.com/IrMr0HAywY
— Justin Time Sports (@JTIMESPORTS) December 1, 2024
According to Al-Shaair, he “genuinely” didn’t see the former No. 1 pick give up on the play until it was too late. The contact occurred as Lawrence was trying to slide.
A brawl broke out between the two teams as Lawrence was taken off the field. He continued by saying that he spoke with Lawrence before the game and expressed his happiness at seeing him return to playing after battling numerous injuries.
Al-Shaair doesn’t hold Lawrence’s Jags teammates responsible in the slightest for standing up for their man, but he will not put up with the alleged hostility he got from football fans after the event.
Al-Shaair has been suspended for 3 games but will appeal.
