Late Hit on Trevor Lawrence Sparks Brawls, Leads to Ejections in Jaguars-Texans Game
A late hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence by Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair led to two brawls and the ejection of both Al-Shaair and Jaguars cornerback Jarrian Jones during Sunday’s game.
The hit occurred late in the first half, as Lawrence slid to the ground after a 6-yard scramble. Al-Shaair followed through with a hit to Lawrence’s head, sending the quarterback to the ground. As Lawrence lay on the field, Jaguars tight end Evan Engram pushed Al-Shaair in retaliation, igniting the first skirmish.
The fight quickly escalated near the Jaguars’ sideline, with officials rushing to protect the injured quarterback. Jones, who had come off the sideline, was ejected along with Al-Shaair. Engram was also penalized for a personal foul.
The tension continued as Al-Shaair was escorted off the field, where he and Jaguars right guard Brandon Scherff exchanged words. Al-Shaair ripped off his helmet and attempted to approach Scherff, but he was restrained by his teammates, including Henry To’oTo’o and Joe Mixon.
Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans later told Fox Sports that the play did not reflect his team’s values, while Jaguars coach Doug Pederson called the hit “blatant. Read Also: Trevor Lawrence Injured After Helmet Hit Sparks Brawl
After Lawrence left the game with a concussion, backup quarterback Mac Jones took over and finished 20-of-32 for 235 yards and two touchdowns. Despite Jones’ efforts, the Jaguars lost the game 23-20.
This wasn’t Al-Shaair’s first incident on the field. In Week 2, during a win over the Chicago Bears, he was involved in a sideline altercation with running back Roschon Johnson and had a questionable hit on quarterback Caleb Williams. Al-Shaair was fined $11,817 for the punch against Johnson.