Houston Texas Linebacker Aziz El-Shaer released a statement Monday evening as he is set to return to the team after serving a three-game suspension for a hit on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
The poet thanked Texans owners Cal and Hannah McNair, general manager Nick Caserio and head coach Demico Ryans, and others who stood up for him. Above the hit.
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Houston Texans linebacker Aziz El Shaer, No. 0, reacts after being ejected against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second quarter at Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, on December 1, 2024. (Photos by Nathan Ray Sibick-Imagine)
“While many took the first opportunity to jump on the false narrative – that I was a dirty player or a bad person – the messages from everyone who stood by me were the only things that kept me mentally afloat during this period of isolation.” He said.
He said losing control of the moment “was an embarrassing and eye-opening moment” and expressed regret for the way he handled himself.
Al-Shaer said he met with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell and executives Troy Vincent and Jon Runyan. He explained to them that he did not feel that Runyan's statement about him before the suspension was a good description. He said their meeting was fruitful.
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence, No. 16, slides past Houston Texans linebacker Aziz El Shaer, No. 0, in the second quarter at Everbank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida, on December 1, 2024. (Photos by Nathan Ray Sibick-Imagine)
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“Finally, I will say that this world is full of negative people who can't wait to destroy you, but if you move with love and compassion, the seeds of goodness you have planted in the lives of others can grow into true joy. He keeps you safe and compassionate when you need it most,” he said. .
“I am a man of God. I am a leader, a warrior and a lover. I am also a great soccer player and I am grateful to be back doing what I love.”
Poet will return for the postseason tour of Texas. Houston is on a two-game losing streak.
The hit on Lawrence cost the Jaguars star the rest of the season. He was ruled out of the game with a concussion, and it was later determined that he would undergo surgery on the shoulder he injured earlier in the year.
Players fight after Houston Texans linebacker Aziz El Shaer, No. 0, hits Jacksonville Jaguars linebacker Trevor Lawrence with a late hit during the first half of an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024, in Jacksonville, Florida. (AP Photo/John Rao)
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The poet was injured With a comment While Runyan described the strike as “unacceptable and a serious violation of the rules of the game.”
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