Texans’ Azeez Al-Shaair Releases Lengthy Apology to Jaguars’ Trevor Lawrence

The game of football can sometimes lead to unfortunate injuries, like what occurred on Sunday between Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair and Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Lawrence was attempting to run the ball and chose to slide to ensure he was not tackled in a way that caused injury.

Read more: Jaguars’ Trevor Lawrence Exits Game After Brutal Hit to Head

Despite the slide, Al-Shaair came in with a late hit, which caused Lawrence to be concussed and removed from the game. The hit led to a massive fight between both teams, and Al-Shaair was ejected from the game.

Now, the Texans linebacker has released a lengthy statement and apology to Lawrence and the league for the hit that knocked the quarterback out.

Al-Shaair took to X to post a lengthy statement about the hit and apologized to Lawrence and the rest of the league for what transpired. According to the statement:

“I’ve always played the game as hard as I could. Never with the intent to harm anybody and anybody that knows me knows that. My goal is to hit you as hard as I can then I pray you’re still able to get up and play the next play. And when the game is over go home to your family unharmed because it’s not personal it’s just competition! We both are trying to do the same thing which is provide for our families! I genuinely didn’t see him sliding until it was too late. And it all happens in the blink of an eye. To Trevor I genuinely apologize to you for what ended up happening.

Before the game we spoke and I told you how it was great to see you back out on the field and I wished you well. I would never want to see any player hurt because of a hit I put on them especially one that’s deemed “late” or “unnecessary”. To the rest of his teammates I can definitely understand you having his back and defending him in a situation like that. To the rest of the people who I’ve been called every single name in the book from reporters with their hands ready for a story to find their villain, to racist and Islamophobic fans and people, you don’t know my heart nor my character, which I don’t need to prove to any of you. God knows my intentions and anyone who has ever been a teammate or friend knows my heart.”

More news: Jaguars’ HC Doug Pederson Noncommittal About Trevor Lawrence Playing Again

This is a classy move by Al-Shaair, as oftentimes players don’t publicly apologize for hits that lead to significant injuries. Considering he was ejected from the game, the league might administer a hefty fine for Al-Shaair, on top of giving him a suspension as well.

Either way, Al-Shaair decided to offer an apology to Lawrence following the hit.

For more on the Texans, head to Newsweek Sports.