Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al Shair broke his silence Monday morning after receiving criticism for taking a hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence that caused a concussion.
In the aftermath of the attack, al-Sha'ir also attacked reporters and others who had scrutinized him for pro-Palestinian comments.
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Houston Texans linebacker #0 Azeez Al Shaair is injured by Houston Texans linebacker #0 after being ejected in the second quarter of a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville on December 1, 2024.・He is held back by Texans linebacker #39 Henry Tootoo. , Florida. (Nathan Ray Seebeck Iman Images)
“I've always played the game as hard as I can. It was never my intention to hurt anyone and anyone who knows me knows that. My goal is to hit you as hard as I can. , so I hope you still win. Get up and make the next play,” he said in a statement. “And when the game is over, go home to your family without any injuries, because it's nothing personal! It's just a competition. We're both trying to do the same thing, provide for our families. !”
“I didn't really see him sliding until it was too late and it all happened in the blink of an eye. I sincerely apologize to Trevor for what happened as a result. We talked and talked about how it happened.'' We were happy to see you back on the field, especially when a player was injured by a hit that was deemed “delayed'' or “unnecessary.'' I never wanted to see that happen. To all his teammates, I definitely understand that you supported him and protected him in that situation.
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence (number 16) hits Houston Texans linebacker Aggies during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024 in Jacksonville, Florida. -Slides in front of Al Shaair (uniform number 0). (AP Photo/John Rau)
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“The rest of the people I've been called every name in the book, from reporters preparing stories to find the villain to racist and Islamophobic fans and people, you're my I don't need to prove that character to you, but God knows my intentions, and anyone who was my teammate or friend knows my heart. I know.”
Al Shair was ejected from the Texans' 23-20 win over the Jaguars for hitting Lawrence in the head and neck area. That sparked a scuffle that led to the ejection of Jacksonville cornerback Jarrian Jones.
Jaguars players defended Lawrence, calling Al Shair's batted ball “dirty.”
Lawrence issued an update on his health late Sunday.
Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al Shaair (No. 0) makes a late hit during the second quarter of an NFL football game at Everbank Stadium on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024 in New York. At that time, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback No. 16 Trevor Lawrence slipped and was taken down. Jacksonville, Florida. (Cory Perine/Florida Times Union)
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“Thank you to everyone who reached out/prayed for me,” he wrote to X. “I'm feeling better now that I'm home. It means a lot. Thank you everyone.”
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