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.
Instead of showing remorse, Al-Shaair embraced a defiant stance. He took to social media on Wednesday with a provocative post that raised eyebrows across the league.
“If you want me to be your villain, I’ll be your villain,” he wrote, accompanied by a middle finger emoji and a “See you soon” message.
An IG post tonight from Houston linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair, whose three-game suspension was upheld on appeal: pic.twitter.com/TN2OYBwnP0
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 5, 2024
For dramatic effect, he even shared a picture of Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker, seemingly owning his newfound notorious reputation.
The NFL community’s response was swift and unforgiving. Fans unleashed a torrent of criticism. “Suspend him again, he don’t get it,” one fan stated.
Suspend him again, he don’t get it
— Boston Brand (@DeadmanBostonB) December 5, 2024
Another added, “This man has no PR training.” While other fans noted, “He may already have CTE, sad.”
He may already have CTE, sad.
— A. Beezy (@ABeezy) December 5, 2024
This man has no PR training
— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) December 5, 2024
One fan wrote, “Dude acting like he’s not in the wrong.” Another added, “Fake apology then continues to mock an injury, ban him from the league!”
Fake apology then continues to mock an injury, ban him from the league!
— Kev 🥈 (@2KEVlN) December 5, 2024
Dude acting like he’s not in the wrong.
— Blake Stackpoole (@BlakeStackpoole) December 5, 2024
Yet another wrote, “Should be taken as a threat and now he should be fully suspended indefinitely.”
Should be taken as a threat and now he should be fully suspended indefinitely
— Brandon 😎 (@_B_035_) December 5, 2024
Another reason to suspend him, if there ever was one. He’s showing that he doesn’t care about the rules or his teammates.
— HalfricanJava (@HalfricanJava) December 5, 2024
Al-Shaair has been putting in work during his first season with Houston, racking up 68 tackles, two sacks, two forced fumbles, and four passes defended.
However, the Texans will have to figure things out without him as they face the Miami Dolphins.
And if that’s not tough enough, they’ve also got the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens on deck.
Al-Shaair’s response has only intensified the scrutiny, turning what was already a serious disciplinary matter into a broader discussion about accountability in the sport.
NEXT: Fans React To Nick Caserio’s Passionate Defense Of Azeez Al-Shaair
