The NFL has maintained a three-game suspension for Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair following his controversial hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, which resulted in Lawrence’s concussion and placement on injured reserve.
As a substitute of displaying regret, Al-Shaair embraced a defiant stance. He took to social media on Wednesday with a provocative publish that raised eyebrows throughout the league.
“In order for you me to be your villain, I’ll be your villain,” he wrote, accompanied by a center finger emoji and a “See you quickly” message.
An IG publish tonight from Houston linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, whose three-game suspension was upheld on enchantment: pic.twitter.com/TN2OYBwnP0
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 5, 2024
For dramatic impact, he even shared an image of Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker, seemingly proudly owning his newfound infamous popularity.
The NFL neighborhood’s response was swift and unforgiving. Followers unleashed a torrent of criticism. “Droop him once more, he don’t get it,” one fan said.
Droop him once more, he don’t get it
— Boston Model (@DeadmanBostonB) December 5, 2024
One other added, “This man has no PR coaching.” Whereas different followers famous, “He could have already got CTE, unhappy.”
He could have already got CTE, unhappy.
— A. Beezy (@ABeezy) December 5, 2024
This man has no PR coaching
— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) December 5, 2024
One fan wrote, “Dude appearing like he’s not within the improper.” One other added, “Faux apology then continues to mock an damage, ban him from the league!”
Faux apology then continues to mock an damage, ban him from the league!
— Kev 🥈 (@2KEVlN) December 5, 2024
Dude appearing like he’s not within the improper.
— Blake Stackpoole (@BlakeStackpoole) December 5, 2024
One more wrote, “Ought to be taken as a risk and now he needs to be totally suspended indefinitely.”
Ought to be taken as a risk and now he needs to be totally suspended indefinitely
— Brandon 😎 (@_B_035_) December 5, 2024
Another excuse to droop him, if there ever was one. He is displaying that he would not care concerning the guidelines or his teammates.
— HalfricanJava (@HalfricanJava) December 5, 2024
Al-Shaair has been placing in work throughout his first season with Houston, racking up 68 tackles, two sacks, two compelled fumbles, and 4 passes defended.
Nonetheless, the Texans should determine issues out with out him as they face the Miami Dolphins.
And if that’s not robust sufficient, they’ve additionally obtained the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens on deck.
Al-Shaair’s response has solely intensified the scrutiny, turning what was already a critical disciplinary matter right into a broader dialogue about accountability within the sport.
NEXT: Followers React To Nick Caserio’s Passionate Protection Of Azeez Al-Shaair