Texans OLB Azeez Al-Shaair’s Three-Game Suspension Upheld Following Appeal
Houston Texans outside linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair will miss the first three games of the 2023 regular season after the NFL upheld his suspension following an appeal hearing. Al-Shaair was initially suspended for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances in July.
Suspension Details and Appeal
Al-Shaair tested positive for a banned substance under the NFL’s anti-doping policy, resulting in his initial three-game suspension. He subsequently appealed the decision, arguing that the positive test was due to an unintentional ingestion of a contaminated supplement. However, after reviewing the evidence presented by Al-Shaair and his representatives, the NFL upheld the suspension.
Under the NFL’s substance abuse policy, players who test positive for a banned substance for the first time face a three-game suspension. Al-Shaair’s suspension will begin with the Texans’ season opener against the Indianapolis Colts on September 10th and conclude following their Week 3 matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Impact on Texans Defense
Al-Shaair’s suspension is a significant blow to the Texans’ defense. He emerged as a key contributor last season, starting 16 games and recording 103 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and 3 interceptions. His absence will leave a void in the Texans’ linebacker corps, which is already thin on experience.
The Texans are expected to fill Al-Shaair’s spot with Kamu Grugier-Hill, who signed a one-year contract with the team in March. Grugier-Hill has been a reliable starter throughout his career, but he is coming off an injury-plagued season with the Philadelphia Eagles. Other potential replacements for Al-Shaair include Neville Hewitt and Christian Harris.
Al-Shaair’s Statement
In a statement released after the suspension was upheld, Al-Shaair expressed his disappointment but vowed to learn from the experience. He said, “I am deeply disappointed by the NFL’s decision to uphold my suspension. I have always been committed to playing the game of football with integrity and respect for the rules. I take full responsibility for my actions and will work hard to regain the trust of my teammates, coaches, and the NFL community.”
Outlook for Al-Shaair and Texans
Al-Shaair will be eligible to return to the Texans’ active roster on September 25th. His return will provide a much-needed boost to a defense that is projected to struggle in 2023. The Texans finished with the NFL’s worst record last season and are looking to improve under new head coach DeMeco Ryans.
Al-Shaair’s suspension is a reminder of the importance of following the NFL’s substance abuse policy. Players are responsible for what they put into their bodies, and any violation of the policy will result in severe consequences. The Texans and Al-Shaair hope that this incident will serve as a learning experience and that he will return to the field as a stronger and more responsible player.