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 exhibiting regret, Al-Shaair embraced a defiant stance. He took to social media on Wednesday with a provocative submit that raised eyebrows throughout the league.
“If you’d like 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 submit tonight from Houston linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, whose three-game suspension was upheld on attraction: 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 status.
The NFL group’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 flawed.” 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 flawed.
— Blake Stackpoole (@BlakeStackpoole) December 5, 2024
One more wrote, “Must be taken as a risk and now he must be totally suspended indefinitely.”
Must be taken as a risk and now he must be totally suspended indefinitely
— Brandon 😎 (@_B_035_) December 5, 2024
One more reason to droop him, if there ever was one. He is exhibiting that he would not care in regards to 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 received the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens on deck.
Al-Shaair’s response has solely intensified the scrutiny, turning what was already a severe 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