The Houston Texans win in Week 13 was overshadowed by the discussion surrounding Azeez Al-Shaair. The veteran linebacker was ejected from the game following a late hit on Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence.
There's no question the hit was uncalled for and Al-Shaair was ejected from the game. Also ejected was Jarrion Jones of the Jaguars, who wasn't too thrilled with comments made by DeMeco Ryans recently.
After the game, Al-Shaair was suspended for three games, and the league released a rather harsh statement condemning him for the hit on Lawrence as well as previous late hits. Al-Shaair appealed the decision, which was upheld.
READ MORE: Ryan Fitzpatrick defends DeMeco Ryans after controversial Trevor Lawrence comments
Houston fans were already frustrated to see Al-Shaair hit with a three-game ban but it became worse when a video surfaced of Jon Runyan delivering a late and violent flying headbutt while playing against the San Francisco 49ers.
Former offensive lineman and now NFL VP of Football Ops Jon Runyan flying headbutt at the LB and then quoted below talking about the integrity of the game is hilarious https://t.co/Gmm0FNGW3e pic.twitter.com/BXJAgnlqVq
— Harley Dugan (@TheLead_HOU) December 3, 2024
Runyan serves as the NFL vice president of football operations and was the one who penned the letter condeming Al-Shaair, saying:
“Your lack of sportsmanship and respect for the game of football and all those who play, coach, and enjoy watching it, is troubling and does not reflect the core values of the NFL."
The appeal seemed to last about 10 seconds before being denied, which led to more concerns. Pro Football Talk called out Ramon Foster, who heard the appeal, for refusing to discuss the process. They believe there should be more transparency. Houston fans would agree, but they also don't think Foster lived up to the "core values of the NFL."
Here is footage of the NFL Hearing Officer @RamonFoster during his days as an NFL athlete.
— Mr. InvisibleTexan (@InvisibleTexans) December 5, 2024
The NFL is a joke. #HTownMade #InvisibleTakes pic.twitter.com/6TNjYjMvpw
They weren't done there either. Texans fans have been sharing one video after another of players being lit up with late hits, that aren't leading to massive suspensions.
3 game suspension imo. https://t.co/TcLpvlD0U4
— Jeremy Branham (@JeremyBranham) December 6, 2024
I’m waiting for the suspension & the letter questioning his character @BIGJDR pic.twitter.com/TBxfIfbw0F
— Jacob (@Stroud4MVP) December 6, 2024
this is way worse than what Shaair did btw https://t.co/2Lxh2Dtnst
— 🐝 (@stingleysznsss) December 6, 2024
And this was all just from the Thursday Night Football showdown between the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers. Which, led to no penalties by the way.
The Lions weren't penalized on any of these plays... pic.twitter.com/yM7QCLKZVu
— NFL Memes (@NFL_Memes) December 6, 2024
The NFL has been criticized often for it's inconsistency in discipline and this seems to be another example of that happening.