Texans' Azeez Al-Shaair takes aim at 'racist and Islamophobic fans' by apologizing for Trevor Lawrence hit.
Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair broke his silence Monday morning after receiving criticism for his hit on Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Trevor Lawrence, which left him stunned.
Al-Shaair also shot at journalists and those who watched him closely for how he spoke to the Palestinians after the song.
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Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, #0, is held back by Houston Texans linebacker Henry To'oTo'o, #39, after being tackled against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second quarter at EverBank Stadium on -1 Dec. 2024 in Jacksonville. , in Florida. (Photos by Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn)
“I have always played this game with great determination. I have never intended to hurt anyone and anyone who knows me knows that. My intention is to hit you so hard that I pray that you can still get up and play the next game,” he said in a statement. man! It's just competition. We are both trying to do the same thing that supports our families!
“I didn't see him skate until press time. And this all happened in an instant. To Trevor, I'm so sorry to you for what happened. Before the game we talked and I told you how it happened. It was good to see you back on the field and I wish you the best but I would never want to see any player hurt because of a hit what I have included in them is mostly considered 'late' or 'unnecessary.' To all his colleagues, I can understand that you have his back and protect him in a situation like this.
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, #16, slides in front of Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, #0, during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024 in Jacksonville, Florida. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
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“To all the other people who have called me every name in the book from journalists who are ready for the story of finding their criminal, fans and people who are racist and Islamophobic, you do not know my heart or my heart. The character I do not need to prove to any of you God knows my intentions and anyone who has been is part of the group or my friend knows my heart.
Al-Shaair was knocked out of the Texans' 23-20 win over the Jaguars because of a collision with Lawrence's head and neck. A scuffle ensued, leading to the ejection of Jacksonville cornerback Jarrian Jones.
Jaguars players defended Lawrence and called Al-Shaair's song “dirty.”
Lawrence gave a health update later Sunday.
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, #16, slides for a touchdown as Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, #0, makes a touchdown during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, December 1 , 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. (Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union)
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“Thank you to everyone who helped me / prayed for me,” he wrote in X. “I'm home and feeling better. It means a lot, thank you all.”
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