Nick Caserio says Azeez Al-Shaair's suspension lacks NFL consistency

Nick Caserio told us how he really felt, and he was anything but happy.

The Houston Texans’ executive vice president and general manager spoke Tuesday ahead of the team’s bye week following the NFL’s decision to suspend Azeez Al-Shair for his hit on Trevor Lawrence in Week 13. Caserio was visibly upset by the league’s decision and didn’t bite his tongue this time.

He chose a different tack when discussing the October suspension of Mario Edwards Jr., who was sidelined for four games for violating the league’s substance abuse policy.

“I could comment on that, but on this issue discretion is probably the better part of valor,” Caserio said, taking the diplomatic approach.

That wasn’t the case on Tuesday, as a visibly upset Caserio passionately defended Al-Shair, who has been dragged through the mud since his sacking on Sunday.

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Nick Caserio on Azeez Al-Shaair’s suspension

After saying that the most important thing was Lawrence’s health and well-being, Caserio changed his tone to defend Al-Shaair. He said the picture painted of the linebacker was unfair before lambasting the league for its lack of consistency when it came to discipline.

“Let’s look at this season. We have several situations, several examples,” Caserio said. “(Brian) Branch was knocked out against Green Bay and is playing us next week. Derwin (James) has been ejected and suspended for one game.”

He added that former Texans safety Kareem Jackson was sent off multiple times before receiving a suspension.

Caserio took issue with the way the league portrayed Al-Shair’s character in its announcement, saying no one personified their program better than him.

“For the league to make some of their comments about lack of sportsmanship, lack of coaching ability and lack of attention to the rules,” Caserio said. “Honestly, it’s embarrassing.” Caseri added that Al-Shaair was never expelled or suspended.

“The picture that’s been painted about Azeez, his intentions, who he is as a person — frankly, it’s (expletive),” Caserio said. “It’s unfair to the individual. It’s unfair to the organization.”

In the league’s announcement, Jon Runyan, NFL vice president of football operations, wrote, in part:

“Your lack of sportsmanship and respect for the game of football and all who play, coach and enjoy watching it is concerning and does not reflect the NFL’s core values…Your continued disregard for the NFL rules of the game endangers health and safety.” You and your opponents will not be tolerated.

Caserio pointed out that the Jaguars’ Josh Hines-Allen said after the game that he wasn’t sure whether the hit warranted a suspension. The GM added that he believes the many opinions and outrage likely factored into the final result.

Al-Shair apologized on social media Monday morning.

How many games is Azeez Al-Shair suspended for?

Al-Shair was suspended three games by the NFL for his hit on Lawrence. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, he plans to appeal the decision.

Has Azeez Al-Shair ever been suspended?

Although he has been penalized for several personal fouls throughout his career, many of which resulted in league fines, this is the first time Al-Shaair has been suspended by the NFL.

When can Azeez Al-Shair return after his suspension?

Al-Shair is eligible to return in Week 18 unless the appeal shortens the initial three-game suspension.

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